Sun cup (Camissonia ovata)

Sun cup

Sun cup is a showy wildflower that's often encountered in grassy fields along the coasts of western North America. Though the plant is fairly small, it is easily spotted in spring, when it blooms with eye-catching, bright yellow flowers. Ants have been known to bury and spread its seeds.

Scientific classification

Species

Sun cup (Camissonia ovata)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Sun cup

Care Guide for Sun cup

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Water: Sun cup thrives in arid environments, showing excellent drought tolerance. It requires minimal watering, ideally once a week, to mimic its native rainfall. Well-suited for outdoor growth, sun cup enters dormancy, further reducing water needs, ensuring survival across different climate zones.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, sun cup requires balanced nutrition with equal NPK ratios, applied monthly in the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization to protect roots, reduce feeding in winter, and always water after fertilizing to aid absorption. Using half the dosage can prevent overload and promote sustainable growth.

Pruning: Sun cup thrives with early to late spring pruning, focusing on removing dead stems to boost growth and blooms. Light pruning prevents overcrowding and aligns with its growth cycle, ensuring a vigorous performance and a visually appealing plant throughout the growing season.

Propagation: Sun cup, from the Onagraceae family, prefers well-drained soil and sunlight. Propagate by directly sowing seeds, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Firm soil around seeds for proper contact. Handle seedlings carefully and acclimate them gradually to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

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