Mexican Heather

Plant name: Mexican Heather

Scientific name: Cuphea hyssopifolia

Plant description:
Mexican Heather is a compact, fine-textured tropical shrub grown for its long bloom season and tidy growth habit. This low, mounding plant forms dense branching stems covered in small leaves and produces a steady display of delicate flowers throughout warm months. It performs well in garden beds, borders, and containers where consistent color and soft texture are desired.

Flower description:
Small, tubular flowers appear along the stems in shades of lavender, purple, or white depending on the variety. Blooms are typically less than one inch across but are produced in abundance, creating a continuous flush of color from late spring through fall in warm climates. Flowers attract pollinators including bees and small butterflies.

Leaf description:
Leaves are small, narrow, and glossy green with a smooth texture. The foliage resembles fine heather, giving the plant its common name. Leaves remain dense along the stems, contributing to its neat, rounded appearance.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in warm climates; grown as an annual in colder regions.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a seasonal annual in cooler zones.

Mature height and width:
12–24 inches tall and 18–30 inches wide.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for edging pathways, lining garden beds, mass plantings, and container arrangements. Works well in pollinator gardens, patio pots, and as a low filler plant beneath taller shrubs or tropical foliage.

Native range:
Native to Mexico and parts of Central America.

Sun exposure:
Full sun to partial shade. Best flowering occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. In hot climates, light afternoon shade can help maintain foliage color and reduce stress.

Water requirements:
Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root issues. Sparse flowering typically results from insufficient sunlight.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Handles high heat and strong summer sun when provided adequate moisture. Foliage remains dense and flowering continues during warm weather.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost. Foliage damage occurs near freezing temperatures. Hard freezes may kill the plant. In colder climates, grow in containers and move indoors before frost or treat as a seasonal annual.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil with organic matter incorporated for steady growth. Lightly trim during the growing season to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season in regions with cool winters. Apply a balanced fertilizer during active growth to support consistent flowering. Space plants properly to allow airflow and maintain dense, healthy foliage.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.