Annuals – 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