Mexican heather (false heather) Cuphea hyssopifolia
Mexican heather (false heather) (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lythraceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Mexican heather (false heather) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mexican heather (false heather) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 21–43 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Mexican heather (false heather) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mexican heather (false heather)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Mexican heather (false heather)
- How far apart should I plant Mexican heather (false heather)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Mexican heather (false heather) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican heather (false heather) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican heather (false heather)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Mexican heather (false heather) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 21–43 weeks.
- Is Mexican heather (false heather) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with Mexican heather (false heather)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican heather (false heather). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Fine ferny foliage dotted with tiny lilac flowers all year in the tropics; edging and pots. Bedding annual where frosts are hard.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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