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Mexican Heather
Cuphea
hyssopifolia
Mexican heather is a tough perennial in the south,
but grown as an annual in Oklahoma. This lacy plant
offers a texture like a fern, but with tiny purple, pink or white
flowers. They will occasionally over winter in southern Oklahoma,
but only during mild winters. Even though the flowers are very
small, they provide continuous bloom for a great display of color
all summer. This little plant is not at all picky about its light.
It will grow in full sun as well as partial shade.
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When To Plant: After the
temperatures begin to warm and the after the last
average frost date (April 15 in Tulsa). |
Where To Plant: It is great as a
border plant in your annual bed or for seasonal color in your
perennial beds. The compact growth and beautiful texture make the
plants great for containers, walkways, window-boxes and just about
anyplace you need some color. They like just about any type of soil
except soggy. Like most plants they prefer rich, well drained sites.
How To Plant: The proper spacing is
dependent on the look you are going for. If you want to use them in
containers as fillers you will probably only need a few small
plants. If you are using them for a ground cover, plant them about
10-12" apart. Mexican heather can get about 8-15" tall and have a
spread of about 10-15".
Care and Maintenance: No dead-heading
or pruning is needed on this little plant. We recommend Schultz
Multi Cote Outdoor Plant Food as a general fertilizer. For better
blooms supplement your Mexican heather with Schultz Expert
Gardener Bloom Plus™. Remember during
our hot summers to keep the plants well watered but not soggy.
Other Features: Butterflies and
Hummingbirds love Mexican Heather.
Over-Wintering: We get lots of calls
about over-wintering Mexican heather in the house. Mexican heather
requires lots of light; our daylight hours are so short in the fall
and winter that it is virtually impossible for the plant to receive
enough light to survive. They get very lanky and usually down right
ugly before finally dying. However, I have been told that a few
people have successfully over-wintered them with a lot of TLC and
lots of artificial light. Our suggestion to our customers is to
throw them away and start fresh in the late spring. These great
plants grow so fast that you have a beautiful showing in no time.
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