This cutie doesn't have a common name, so i call it Teacup Flower!  Jovellana punctata is an unusual rarity from Chile with colorful sprays of happy little flowers!  These sprightly blooms appear in large numbers from spring through fall.  Its festive markings are purple, yellow and red, with no two flowers having the same pattern.  Maybe they communicate something to bumblebees?  Or to each other??  This is a cool-climate species that might not thrive in warm areas.  It is a very rare plant — I don't know anyone else currently offering it in the U.S.

 Jovellana is an evergreen, perennial plant that grows around 5 feet tall, which puts the blooms at the perfect height for viewing.  Each spray has dozens of ½" blooms, which open at different times over a period of 1-2 months.  The sprays would make an exotic addition to flower arrangements!  Even without blooms this is an attractive plant, with woody stems and bright, mint-shaped foliage.  The leaves have a minty-spicy aroma when rubbed.

The Teacup Flower comes from cool areas of central Chile, where the weather is spring-like all year.  The ideal temperature seems to be between 40 and 80 degrees (4-27°C).  I don't know if it will thrive in areas that are consistently above 85° (29°C).  It can probably survive a few degrees of frost if given overhead protection, although i recommend protecting it from all frost.  It grows well indoors in a pot.  Over 40-50% humidity is recommended.  Teacup Flower prefers partly sunny conditions.  It should be shaded from strong afternoon sun.  It likes moist, well-draining soil and regular feeding.

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