Nierembergia
( nee - rem - BERJ - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Cup Flower, this genus of flowering perennials includes species which need light shade in warmer climates and regular water to grow well in the garden. These plants are native to moist regions of South America, and produce spreading plants that are short, mounding and bloom profusely in summertime. These plants can be grown as annuals outside of their hardiness range. Nierembergia does well in mixed beds and borders, as edging plants, or when grown in containers. They are commonly used in drought-tolerant, cottage and informal landscapes. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are toxic to livestock.
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Nierembergia Species and Varietals
The genus Nierembergia is a member of the plant family Solanaceae and includes between 3,000 and 4,000 species. Plants in the genus are closely related to those in Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Brunfelsia (Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow), and Fabiana. The genus is named to commemorate Juan Eusebio Nieremberg. Cup Flower growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Nierembergia linariifolia (Nierembergia caerulea, Nierembergia hippomanica) (Dwarf Cup Flower, Narrow-Leaved Cupflower)
This species of Cup Flower grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 8-24, H1 and H2. They reach 6-12 inches tall and wide. It is a mounding plant with many branches and blue-violet flowers. Trim back this plant after the first bloom to encourage new growth and follow-up blooms. These plants are native to central South America, and are introduced but thriving in New South Wales, Australia. Cultivars are listed below:
This species of Cup Flower grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 8-24, H1 and H2. They reach 6-12 inches tall and wide. It is a mounding plant with many branches and blue-violet flowers. Trim back this plant after the first bloom to encourage new growth and follow-up blooms. These plants are native to central South America, and are introduced but thriving in New South Wales, Australia. Cultivars are listed below:
'Augusta Blue Skies'
Compact hybrid with blue-lavender flowers' more heat tolerant than the species. |
'Mont Blanc'
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'Purple Robe'
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Nierembergia repens (Nierembergia rivularis) (White Cup, Water Nierembergia, Chuscho) This species of Cup Flower grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 5-9, 14-24 and H1. It forms a mat of bright green foliage 4-6 inches tall and 2 feet wide, with white blooms. These plants make great groundcovers for unused areas, which can stand up to a fair amount of foot traffic. Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay. |
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Nierembergia scoparia (Cupflower, Tall Cupflower) This perennial species is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, and can reach up to 2.5 feet tall when mature. Flowers are up to an inch wide, and are typically pale blue to whitish. This species is commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental, and some cultivars (such as 'Purple Robe') have been bred to have darker purple coloration on petals. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. |
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Nierembergia veitchii (Trailing Cup Plant) These perennial plants are found in the northeastern parts of Argentina. Plants reach about 8 inches tall when in bloom and between 8 and 12 inches wide. This species forms a rounded bush with trailing stems of green foliage. Flowers are typically light lavender to white in color with darker purple markings towards the middle, and yellow centers. Trailing Cup Plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. This species is considered an invasive toxic pasture weed in Brazil and Uruguay. |
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Caring for Nierembergia
Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as they are toxic to livestock. Nierembergia, or Cupflower, plants do best when situated in a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, these plants appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day, but in areas with warmer climates do like to get some shade during the warmest hours of the afternoon (between 2 and 3 PM). These plants can thrive in a variety of soil types and textures, as long as they are well-draining. Ensure that soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH of between 6.6 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, install a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong, healthy root system in their new home. At maturity, Nicotiana prefers moist soil. Irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Established plants can tolerate drought conditions for short periods, but will flower and grow best when given regular irrigations.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning Nicotiana plants is relatively straightforward. Young plants can be pinched back as they put on growth to encourage a bushier habit to form. Deadhead spent blooms to limit self-seeding activities and clean up the look of plants; this will also stimulate more flowers to pop. Nierembergia plants typically last about three years in the landscape before needing to be replaced, though gardeners in harsh climates may choose to grow Cupflower as an annual, replaced each year in springtime. Nierembergia plants can live for between 1 and 3 years before
Caring for Nierembergia in Containers
Nierembergia plants can be grown either directly in the garden soil or in containers. Ensure that the pot chosen has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for free flow of excess water from the root zone, and make sure that it is at least two inches wider and a few inches taller than the plant's nursery pot. Fill the container on the bottom and around the sides of the root ball with well-draining substrate amended with plenty of organic material, and lay down a topping of mulch after installing. Nierembergia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Repotting is typically not necessary; plants are not long-lived even when grown as perennials.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning Nicotiana plants is relatively straightforward. Young plants can be pinched back as they put on growth to encourage a bushier habit to form. Deadhead spent blooms to limit self-seeding activities and clean up the look of plants; this will also stimulate more flowers to pop. Nierembergia plants typically last about three years in the landscape before needing to be replaced, though gardeners in harsh climates may choose to grow Cupflower as an annual, replaced each year in springtime. Nierembergia plants can live for between 1 and 3 years before
Caring for Nierembergia in Containers
Nierembergia plants can be grown either directly in the garden soil or in containers. Ensure that the pot chosen has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for free flow of excess water from the root zone, and make sure that it is at least two inches wider and a few inches taller than the plant's nursery pot. Fill the container on the bottom and around the sides of the root ball with well-draining substrate amended with plenty of organic material, and lay down a topping of mulch after installing. Nierembergia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Repotting is typically not necessary; plants are not long-lived even when grown as perennials.
Propagation
The easiest and most effective way to propagate Nerembergia is through harvesting and sowing seed. To propagate your Cupflower plant, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Nierembergia by Seed
Propagating Nierembergia by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
- In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
Nierembergia, or Cupflower, is susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Tobacco Mosaic Virus
- Slugs and Snails
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
Gallery
Nierembergia plants have an attractive mounding habit.
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These plants are commonly used in small-space garden situations, and are able to grow in narrow strips of dirt.
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Cup Flower can do very well when grown in containers.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 456, Nierembergia
