Winecup

Wine Cup
 
Callirhoe involucrata (Malvaceae)
 
Wine cup is a hardy, drought tolerant, sprawling perennial wild flower that is native to Texas and the central United States. It has numerous trailing stems that spread vine like over the ground originating from a carrot-like tuber. The 2” poppy-like flowers are dark purple-red or wine and found at the end of slender stems. Flowers close each evening and remain permanently shut after pollination. Stems and leaves of the entire plant die back in the heat of summer and should be trimmed to promote fall growth. Easy to grow from seed or can be started from the carrot-like tuber. Prefers full sun in gravelly or sandy soils.
 
AVERAGE PLANTING SUCCESS WITH THIS SPECIES: 80%
 
HEIGHT: ½’-1 ½’
 
OPTIMUM PLANTING DATES: Fall or early Spring in sun to part shade.
 
SOWING AND TRANSPLANTING: Tubers can be moved during dormant periods and planted even with the soil surface. Seed should be planted in the fall at 5 lbs per acre or 1 oz. per 500 sq ft.
 
BLOOMING PERIOD: February-July
 
SUGGESTED USE: Rock gardens, borders, wooden barrels, hanging baskets, meadows.
 
NOTES: Keeping the faded or pollinated blooms picked will prolong the growing season. The trailing stems do not root. Perennial wildflower that is excellent for filling in between plants.  2” poppy-like wine-red flowers bloom in sun to part shade from spring to early summer.  Cut back to rosettes in winter for neater appearance. Needs part shade for best results and well-drained soil. Attracts butterflies.

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