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Public Plant Profile

Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)

Category: Perennial • Cup Plant

Cup Plant is a tall, attractive perennial perfect for pollinator gardens and mass plantings.

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Mature Height: 3-6 feet

Mature Width: 2-3 feet

Bloom Color: Yellow

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Fast

Season of Interest: Summer

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Cup Plant is a tall perennial with distinctive leaves that form a cup-like structure, collecting rainwater. It produces bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun and prefers moist to average soil. It is best suited for open areas with good air circulation.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, tolerates a range of moisture levels, prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH, and adapts to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

pollinator gardenmass planting

Special Features

Attractive yellow flowersdrought-tolerant once established

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides seeds for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for naturalized areas and attracts pollinators. Can grow quite tall, so consider placement accordingly.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Cup Plant may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cup Plant a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.

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