Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Cuphea hyssopifolia or False heather

The genus Cuphea, family Lythraceae, comprises 250 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to tropical regions of America. Some species are: Cuphea hyssopifolia, Cuphea procumbens, Cuphea cyanea, Cuphea ignea, Cuphea racemosa.

Common names: Mexican heather, False heather, Hawaiian heather, Elfin herb. This species is native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

They are small compact shrubs that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The glossy dark green leaves are small and similar to those of Rosmarinus officinalis. They produce abundant small, highly decorative white, pink or purple flowers. They can bloom from spring to fall.

Mexican heather is used to form bushy groups, in rockeries or in pots for balconies, patios and terraces.

Cuphea hyssopifolia needs full sun or light shade exposure. In winter the temperature should be above 5 ºC (41 ºF); it resists mild and occasional frosts.

False heather can grow in any soil that contains organic matter.

Hawaiian heather needs a lot of humidity in spring and summer (water abundantly); reduce watering in autumn; in winter it resists a few days of drought.

Fertilize with humus or manure in autumn and once a month with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer.

Prune after flowering to remove faded flowers and maintain a rounded appearance.

Cuphea hyssopifolia is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

False heather propagates by seeds sown in spring or by semi-woody cuttings in autumn.

Images of the shrub Cuphea hyssopifolia or False heather