Prairie Winecup

Prairie winecup, Callirhoe involucrata, is a low, sprawling native perennial with vivid magenta, chalice-shaped flowers. It spreads along the ground from a deep taproot, creating a loose mat of foliage and a long summer display suited to sunny, well-drained gardens. ## Form and garden use The [University of Wisconsin Extension profile](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/winecups-callirhoe-involucrata/) describes plants about 4–6 in. tall, with stems that may spread 3 ft or more. The flowers are 1½–2½ in. wide, open during the day, and have a pale spot at the base of the petals. Use winecups along a rock wall, bank, informal border, or native planting; several plants can combine into groundcover. Its flowers also support gray hairstreak caterpillars. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Winecups grow in sandy or loamy ground and tolerate clay and infertile soils; established plants withstand dry periods. The foliage dies back in winter and reappears from the crown in spring. Because the taproot is long and transplanting is difficult, choose its permanent position carefully. ## Maintenance Water while new plants establish, then reduce supplemental irrigation once roots are settled. Stems may be pinched in early summer if a more compact shape is desired. Allow seed to mature where naturalizing is welcome; seedlings can be difficult to transplant.