Last updated on December 24th, 2024 at 07:40 am
The Mexican Heather Plant – Cuphea hyssopifolia. Also called false heather. A small plant that will bloom in mid-summer until fall. A very hardy plant that produces small but profuse flowers even in the Southwest heat. Mexican Heather plants will go dormant when temperatures dip below 32° degrees Fahrenheit. But will bounce back after the last frost in your area.
Where to plant it?
Place them in a nice container or plant them in front of other taller evergreen shrubs. Plant several in a row along sidewalks or pathways for a low-hedge landscape. They are perfect in rock gardens or xeriscape landscapes.
They will have a hard time growing in full sun throughout the American Southwest, so it is best to plant them where there is morning sun and afternoon shade. Underneath a large tree with filtered light will work great. Place them in hanging baskets as they will have that overflowing look. Nice dark waxy green color foliage. Again, a little shade will make them look good throughout the growing seasons.
How big will they get?
Mexican heather will grow to a nice mounding plant about 2-3 ft. wide and tall, perfect for that small space in your garden with nothing there. They are considered perennials in warmer regions but will go dormant during the winter seasons in other colder areas.
Care of the Mexican Heather plant
It can take full sun and partial shade. They will do great underneath a large shade tree providing there is filtered light coming through. Provide it with lots of water the first 2-3 years after initial planting. Then cut back to every other day during the summer months. Fertilize about 2-3 times during the growing seasons but do this at half the recommended ratio.
The Mexican heather plant is easy to care for if you meet its basic needs. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water it consistently, but don’t let the soil stay soggy—too much moisture can lead to root rot. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season will keep it healthy. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage blooming. This plant enjoys warm weather, so protect it from frost. If it looks leggy, give it a trim, and it’ll bounce back quickly.
Prune back in early spring if it looks scraggly or overgrown. It loves to be planted in containers with taller plants in the background. Pair it with dracaena spikes or purple Cordyline plants.
The Mexican Heather plant is native to Mexico.
Sunset growing zones 16-24
USDA Zone – 9 – 11
