Mexican Heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia
Full sun, Partial sun
Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
THIS PLANT MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THESE STORES:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.
- 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Otsego MN 55330
- 14th Street Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303
- 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse
1110 3rd Ave. West Dickinson ND 58601
- 4 Ever Green Ldsp. & Dgn
21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351
Botanical Pronunciation | KYOO-fee-uh hiss-sop-ih-FOH-lee-uh |
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Lore | The Cuphea genus is comprised of over two hundred species distributed throughout the Americas. Cuphea hyssopifolia is native to Mexico and parts of Guatemala. The species name alludes to the similarity of the foliage to that of the European herb, hyssop. Commonly referred to as Mexican Heather or False Heather, it is of no relation to the European family of heathers. In some regions, this plant is known as the "elfin herb" due to its small flowers and foliage. |
Average Size at Maturity | Quickly reaches 2 ft. tall and wide. |
Bloom Time | Summer |
Design Ideas | A delightful subshrub to fill out beds and borders with foliage and flowers. Plant as edging or a small hedge for tropical gardens. Softens the corners of paving and sidewalks and helps to define pathways. Makes a fine nest for the base of a fountain, birdbath or sundial. Excellent for lush potted compositions. |
Deciduous/ Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
Flower Attribute | Long Bloom Season, Showy Flowers |
Flower Color | Purple |
Foliage Color | Green |
Garden Style | Contemporary, Cottage, Mediterranean, Tropical |
Growth Habit | Fountain |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Landscape Use | Border, Container, Mass Planting, Poolside, Rock Garden, Edging, Coastal Exposure |
Light Needs | Full sun, Partial sun |
Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
Special Feature | Easy Care, Fast Growing, Compact Form |
Water Needs | Moderate |
Watering Needs | Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers. |
Companion Plants | Fountain Grass (Pennisetum); Hibiscus (Hibiscus); Mandevilla (Mandevilla); Salvia (Salvia); Phormium (Phormium) |
Easily grown in average, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established in the landscape, reduce frequency; continue to water container plants when soil surface becomes dry. Fertilize in early spring. For a tidy appearance, prune annually to shape.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-11

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant