Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Mexican Heather'

1 GALLON MEXICAN HEATHER/FALSE HEATHER/ELFIN HERB
Cuphea hyssopifolia
USDA Zones 9-11
 
Mexican Heather is a tropical shrub native to Mexico, Guatemala, & Honduras. It reaches up to 1’-2’ tall. Typically, it spreads up to 2.5’ with evergreen foliage. The plant features many branches that tend to develop a rounded shape. The lance shape leaves are a glossy green,  evergreen, may reach up to .75” long, & remain on the shrub year round. 
 
Use Cuphea hyssopifolia for ground covers, borders, or beds. It works well in containers on patios or decks & along the edging of paths. 
 
It grows well outdoors in the warm southern United States, but will require indoor cultivation in colder regions. 
 
No matter where it grows, it brings a showy bloom of bright purple or lavender flowers during the summer. The trumpet-shaped Mexican heather flowers with six petals and green tubes arrive in the summer. These beautiful and brightly colored flowers often attract bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds. It will continue to bloom until the first frost. 
 
LIGHT & TEMPERATURE 
Grow Mexican Heather in sunny locations. It can tolerate high summer heat & full sun. The planting location for outdoor plants should receive several hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon & partial shade for part of the day. It is winter hardy in zones 9-11, otherwise it cannot survive freezing temperatures. In colder areas, move the plant indoors as soon as the flowers drop. Move your plants back outside after the last threat of frost. 
 
WATER
Maintain a regular watering schedule for your Mexican Heather, especially for younger plants. Water once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist. Once established, the plant may not require regular watering & may even become drought tolerant. 
 
FERTILIZER 
Use an organic fertilizer to promote fuller, healthy growth. 
 
SOIL & TRANSPLANTING
Mexican Heather adapts to a variety of soils, including sandy or loamy soil. With that being said, it will thrive in any well drained soil. 
**Tip: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to increase water retention & prevent the spread of weeds around the root system. Mulch also protects against colder temperatures, in the event of freezing winter conditions. 
 
GROOMING
If the plants starts to look leggy, trim back the branches by a third of its current height to help produce denser growth. 
 
PESTS
Mexican Heather isn’t susceptible to most pests. The main issue to watch for are an infestation of flea beetles. Flea beetles will leave small holes in the leaves & stems making the plant less attractive or eventually leading to its demise. Spider mites may also attack the plant. Mites are more likely to be found on indoor plants. If either pest appears, spray the plant with water. The water should dislodge & drown the critters. If the infestation becomes severe start applications of Neem Oil.