Cupflower – Nierembergia hippomanica (N. caerulea), N. spp.

Common Name: Cupflower

Botanical Name: Nierembergia hippomanica (N. caerulea), N. spp., ne-rem-BER--gi-a hip-po-MAN-i-ca

Decorative Life: 1-3 weeks at best for many cultivars depending on environment.

Flower Color: Blue, Purple, Violet, White, Yellow

Availability: Year Round

• Member of the Solanaceae (nightshade family).
• Native to Argentina.
• Relatives include tobacco, eggplant, petunia, tomato and potato.

• Species classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
• Flowers are tubular, flaring into cup shape at end, up to 1 inch across.
• Stems much branched, hairy, with stiff narrow leaves.

• Nierembergia: for Juan Eusebio Nieremberg, 1595-1658, a Spanish Jesuit and first professor of natural history at Madrid.
• This family has many poisonous members including the common weed, deadly nightshade, and the green skin of potatoes. On the other hand, it is a source of many commercial foods including potato, tomato, pepper and eggplant. Tobacco also is a member.
• Also grown as a bedding plant.
• One favorite cultivar is ‘Mont Blanc’ that has white flowers.
• Will generally do its best in light levels at least bright enough to read a newspaper in comfort but more light (up to filtered full sunlight) would be better.