Guide to growing garden plants - Platystemon Creamcups
There is only one member of the hardy annual Platystemon genus and this is commonly referred to as Creamcups.
The plant has green lanced shaped leaves and blooms in the summer with yellow circular flowers.
Platystemon reaches an height of about 30 cm when in bloom and makes an ideal edging or border plant.
Platystemon californicus / Cream cups. Both Photographs by Tom Hilton; creative commons.
Quick Platystemon Growing Guide and Facts
Common Names: Creamcups.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual.
Height: 8 inches (20 cm).
Native: North America.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 8.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Yellow, gold, white, cream. Fragrant. Single flowers. Cup-shaped. Six petals. Tufted stamens.
Foliage: Opposite. Oblong. Lanceolate.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Before the last frost or in autumn. Spacing 6 inches (15 cm). Germination time: two to four weeks. Temperature 60°F (16°C).
Sow Inside: No.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Loam. Can survive in dry soils. Regular watering. In the spring supply a top dressing of cow manure.
How to grow Creamcups
The seeds of creamcups should be sown outdoors either before the last frost of spring or towards the end of autumn. Once sown the seeds should be covered with soil.
Alternatively buy the plants from a garden center and put out in mid spring. Creamcups like to grow in sunny parts of the garden and favors a soil that has a sandy and loamy nature. Ideally the plants should be spaced at about 15 to 20 cm apart.
Caring for Creamcups
Creamcups are easy to look after, they can tolerate dry condition but appreciate frequent watering. If you require more Creamcups then let the plant set seed and grow in situ.