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Mexican Heather

Cuphea hyssopifolia

$16.90

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Description

Mexican Heather is a charming, fine-textured evergreen shrub prized for its long season of delicate, lavender-pink flowers and lush, bright green foliage. This versatile, low-growing plant forms a dense, rounded to spreading mound of small, glossy, lance-shaped leaves, creating a soft, heather-like appearance . From spring through fall, and often year-round in frost-free climates, it is covered with a profusion of tiny, star-shaped flowers in a soft lavender-pink to purple, each with a prominent green eye . Exceptionally heat and humidity tolerant, this low-maintenance, self-cleaning plant is an outstanding choice for use as a colorful ground cover, border edging, filler in containers, or as a tidy foundation planting.

Frequently asked questions

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Q: Is Mexican Heather a perennial or an annual?
A: It is a tender evergreen perennial, reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11 . In cooler zones (USDA 8 and below), it is often grown as a long-blooming annual or in a container to be overwintered indoors . It will not survive freezing temperatures.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant flower display, plant Mexican Heather in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be reduced, and the plant may become more open and leggy.

Q: Does it need deadheading?
A: No, it is self-cleaning. The spent flowers drop off naturally, so no deadheading is required to keep the plant blooming and looking tidy all season long . This makes it a very low-maintenance choice.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. Once established, it has good drought tolerance but performs best with consistent moisture, especially in containers and in hot, dry climates . Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: How large does it get?
A: Mexican Heather typically reaches 1-2 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width over time . It can be pruned to maintain a lower, denser, more compact shape or confined to a smaller area.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes . Its fine texture and long bloom time make it a perfect "filler" or "spiller" in container combinations. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, Mexican Heather is generally resistant to deer and rabbits . This makes it an excellent choice for gardens where browsing animals are a concern.

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