Mexican Heather, False Heather

Scientific Name: Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth
Synonym: Cuphea carthaginensis, Parsonsia hyssopifolia
Family: Lythraceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 16,17,21-29
USDA: 10-12

Frost Tolerance: Foliage hardy to 28° F (-2°C), may grow back if frozen to the ground.

Heat Tolerance: Excellent

Sun Exposure: Full sun, to light shade

Origin: Mexico, Guatemala

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub to 3 feet high (60 cm), 2 feet spread (60 cm). There are dwarf forms

Flowers: Blue flowers

Watering Needs: Regular watering for best results.

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in late summer

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in early summer. Use intermittent mist. Root in 3-6 weeks.
• by seeds.

The Mexican heather is a densely branched sub-shrub with small, glossy leaves. Cuphea hyssopifolia varieties ranges from 1 to 3' tall with tiny lavender, purple, or white flowers. They can be trimmed to most shape you want, and grow back rapidly.

Blooming Habits:
In Phoenix, the Mexican Heather Blooms profusely the year around. The most common hybrids are 'Allyson' with purple flowers, and 'Alba' with white flowers. The dwarf forms reach 10 inches tall (25 cm), and still 2 feet spread (60 cm). they are useful for edging.

Culture:
To start from seeds, start early in the year. Germination takes a week and a half with irregular results. Plant outside 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 cm).