- Mexican heather
Botanical name: cuphea hyssopifolia
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: up to 2 ft in height and 3 ft in width
Bloom time: summer, fall
Hardy zone: zones 9-11
Flower color: purple/white/pink/red
Foliage color: green
Growth rate: can reach fully mature size in first growing season
Pruning instructions: deadhead and remove dead or dying foliage as needed
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: common border, potted, or hanging basket plant
Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day
Special features: attracts birds and butterflies
Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions
Fertilizing instructions : use an ericaceous fertilizer in late march or early april
Best time to plant: spring
Best type of soil: loam, sand
Companion plants: verbena, salvia, sedum
Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested
Invasive species: no
