Benitoites Sun Cup Plant Care

Benitoites Sun Cup (Camissonia benitensis) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Camissonia genus. Benitoites Sun Cup is native to the Diablo Range of the South Coast Ranges of California. Benitoites Sun Cup is also known as Benitoites Evening Primrose.

Benitoites Sun Cup displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Benitoites Sun Cup produces bright yellow cup-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Benitoites Sun Cup every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Benitoites Sun Cup thrives in full sun.

Camissonia benitensis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Benitoites Sun Cup prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Benitoites Sun Cup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Benitoites Sun Cup every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Benitoites Sun Cup is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Benitoites Sun Cup can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Benitoites Sun Cup while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Benitoites Sun Cup is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Benitoites Sun Cup can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to baird's evening primrose plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Benitoites Sun Cup is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Benitoites Sun Cup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Benitoites Sun Cup is native to the Diablo Range of the South Coast Ranges of California. In cooler regions, grow Benitoites Sun Cup as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.