type :
Annuals, Perennials
sun exposure :
Partial Shade
water :
Regular Water
planting zones :
US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8, CS (Coastal South) / Zone 9, TS (Tropical South) / Zone 10, TS (Tropical South) / Zone 11
Plant Details
These plants bear tubular flow- ers that flare into saucerlike or bell-like cups. The species listed here grow as a spreading mound or a ground-covering mat. All are covered with blooms during summer. Can be grown as perennials in the Lower South, cool-weather annuals in the Coastal and Tropical South, summer annuals elsewhere.
white cup
DWARF CUP FLOWER
nierembergia gracilis
- Native to the Argenine desert, this species and its primary selection, 'Starry Eyes', endure hot summer, either arid or humid, growing into a mound 10 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
- Plant in sun, with good drainage.
- After the lavender-centered white bells fade, shear for more flowers.
- Perennial in the Lower South, (USDA 8) and warmer.
nierembergia linariifolia(Nierembergia caerulea, Nierembergia hippomanica)
- To 612 inches high and wide.
- Much-branched, mounding plant with very small, stiff leaves.
- Flowers are blue to violet.
- Trimming back plant after bloom to induce new growth seems to lengthen its life.
- Augusta Blue Skies is a compact hybrid with lavender-blue flowers and improved heat tolerance.
- Plants may surprise you and overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer.
nierembergia repens
- Bright green foliage forms a mat to 46 inches high, 2 feet wide.
- White blossoms.
- For best performance, don't crowd it with more aggressive plants.
- Not as heat tolerant as Nierembergia linariifolia.
- However, plants can overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer.
tall cup flower
nierembergia scoparia
- Growing 12 feet tall, favorites include 'Purple Robe' and the white 'Mont Blanc', usually sold as Nierembergia hippomanica.
- Plants may overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer, so cut back, but don't pull them out at summer's end.
nierembergia Summer Splash series
- Grows 1012 inches tall and 12 feet wide in both white and blue.
- Tolerant of heat and humidity.