Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia): Tiny Flowers for Edging and Containers

Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia), also called false heather, is a compact, evergreen sub-shrub smothered in tiny, six-petaled flowers (purple, pink, or white) from spring to frost. The fine, glossy green foliage forms a neat mound.

Uses

Excellent for borders, edging, containers, and fairy gardens. Grows 12–18 inches tall and wide. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and bees.

Culture

Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil. Shear lightly after heavy bloom to refresh. Perennial in zones 9–11; grown as an annual elsewhere. Very low maintenance.

Taxonomy

• Family: Lythraceae
• Genus: Cuphea
• Species: hyssopifolia