Mexican heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia
Belonging to the Cuphea genus, Mexican heather has a botanical name of Cuphea hyssopifolia.
Native from Mexico to Guatemala, Mexican heather is a rounded, densely branched 1-2’ tall tropical sub-shrub. It produces quaint, small, trumpet-shaped flowers with six spreading lavender petals and green calyx tubes. Flowers appear singly in the leaf axils along stems crowded with lance-shaped glossy green leaves (to 3/4” long). Blooms profusely summer to frost. Although heather-like in appearance, this plant is not a member of the heather family, hence the sometimes used common name of false heather. Some white- and pink-flowered cultivars are available. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
It is a flower / ornamental and is treated mainly as a perennial, so it grows best over a period of time (3 years and greater). Mexican heather is known for growing to a height of approximately 30.0 cm (11.7 inches).Mexico is believed to be where Mexican heather originates from.
Due to how easy it is to grow in a variety of conditions, Mexican heather is great for beginner gardeners and those that like low maintainance gardens.
This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Mexican heather have been kindly provided by our members.
How to grow Mexican heather
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Partial Sun
OR + -
Dappled Sun
+ -
Medium
In the garden, it is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. May be grown from seed started indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Tolerates high summer heat and some drought. Best with regular moisture. If grown in containers, plants may be overwintered indoors in warm, sunny locations. Easily propagated from tip cuttings. Best to start new plants each year, however.
Position in a partial sun / dappled sun location and remember to water moderately. Zone 9 to 11 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Keep in mind when planting that Mexican heather is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.Growing Mexican heather from seed
Transplanting Mexican heather
Companion plants for Mexican heather
These plants have been known to grow well alongside Mexican heather so consider planting:
Repellent plants for Mexican heather
These plants will not grow well with Mexican heather so avoid planting these within close proximity:
Common Mexican heather problems
These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Mexican heather plants:
Other names for Mexican heather
False heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth
Mexican heather care instructions
How long does Mexican heather take to grow?
Footnotes
Popular varieties of Mexican heather
Mexican heather Tags
Mexican heather Forums
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