Mexican Heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia
Mexican Heather Plant Features
Prized for its lacy foliage and numerous jewel-like flowers, cuphea, commonly called Mexican heather, makes an ideal container or border plant. Growing just 10 to 18 inches tall, this shrubby, tropical annual is smothered in blooms all summer long. Plus, the flowers are as attractive to butterflies as they are to you. Colors include white, violet, or red. Mix Mexican heather with other annuals or use it to line a garden path or walkway. Hardy in zones 9-11.
Mexican Heather Questions?
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Mexican Heather Growing Instructions
Plant Mexican heather in a sunny or partially sunny spot with well-drained soil and feed with a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time. Mexican heather likes to be watered whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch.
This plant not intended for human or animal consumption.
Special Care
Mexican heather has a dense, compact growth habit. But, once in a while, your plants may look a bit rangy. If that happens shear the plant back by a third of its height to encourage tighter growth.
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Light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Sun -
Colors
Purple, Red, White
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Groundcover
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Mexican Heather with these varieties:
The gray foliage of dusty miller provides subtle contrast to the bright blooms of Mexican heather.
Paired in containers, petunias and Mexican heather look terrific.
Dwarf marigolds and Mexican heather both hail from south of the border and love hot weather. Plus, the yellow or orange flowers of marigold look nice with the more pastel blooms of Mexican heather.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Cuphea 'Floriglory Alonso'
Floriglory Alonso is an exciting selection that offers extra large lavender-pink flowers. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Annual except in Zones 10-11

Cuphea 'Floriglory Diana'
Easy-care and beautiful, Floriglory Diana offers deep lavender-pink flowers that are larger than old-fashioned varieties. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Annual outside of Zones 10-11

Cuphea 'Floriglory Maria'
Though it looks delicate, Floriglory Maria Mexican heather is an ultra-tough plant with large, pure-white flowers. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Zones 10-11 as a perennial; annual in other areas