Plant Of The Week

Mexican Heather Plant (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

The Mexican Heather (or False Heather) plant tends to grow around one foot in height but may be as tall as eighteen inches. In terms of spacing, anywhere from nine inches to a foot is average. Moreover, this beautiful plant blooms throughout the year making it a highly attractive plant year around. The booms are generally a shade of purple with the leaves being an evergreen, however, the flowers can also be a shade of pink or even white. Most people believe this plant looks very similar to a fern and therefore also makes an excellent houseplant.


Anyone wishing to plant the Mexican Heater plant should live in plant hardiness zones eight through eleven for best results. Be prepared to plant this floral in an area that has either full sun exposure or partial shade. For soil requirements, the ideal pH level is anywhere between 6.6 and 7.8; therefore, the plant prefers either neutral or slightly alkaline soil and does not tolerate acidity.

These plants are great when sowed directly into the ground after the last frost of the year, but also make an excellent indoors plant. Anyone planting this floral indoors should be sure to keep it in a sunny place in order to get the appropriate sun exposure needed for proper growth. Either way, the plant tends to bloom relatively early and can tolerate high temperatures as well as a considerate amount of drought. Be sure to water the plant frequently in extreme heat but avoid over watering. The plant will not be able to thrive in soggy soil. As with most plants, the Mexican Heather plant does best in well-drained soil.

One of the best features of this plant is the fact that pruning is rarely needed and therefore it is very low maintenance. Obviously it is best if you add fertilizer to the soil, specifically organic fertilizer.As an added bonus, the plant may attract beautiful creatures such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

The Mexican Heather plant is an excellent addition to either your landscape or for accenting your house indoors. Not only is the plant tolerant of high temperatures, but it actually does relatively well in periods of drought (when watered properly). Furthermore, this plant is very colorful adding shades of pink and purple flowers to your flowerbeds, porch decorations, as well as indoors. This fern-like plant is a low maintenance plant that is perfect for anyone wishing to add a splash of color indoors our out with evergreen foliage.