Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
CUPHEA hyssopifolia
Plant Common Name
False Heather, Mexican Heather
General Description
Commonly known as Mexican heather, elfin herb, or Hawaiian heather, this tropical plant is a small, bushy, evergreen subshrub with shiny, dark green leaves borne in horizontal sprays that create a fine-textured appearance. The flowers are produced mainly in summer and fall, but also appear sporadically throughout the year and may be in shades of purple-violet, pink or white.
Best grown in dappled shade, this Mexican native will tolerate full sun, especially if provided regular water. Plant it in moist, very well-drained, fertile soil. Reliably hardy in Zones 9 and warmer, it may die back to the ground and reshoot after hard frosts. Used as an edging or border plant, massed as a groundcover or in containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8"-24" / 20.3cm - 61.0cm (20)
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Width
12"-32" / 30.5cm - 81.3cm (28)
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Mexico, Central America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Light Pink, Lavender, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes