How do I care for a Mexican heather plant?
Plant Mexican heather, or Cuphea hyssopifolia, also known as false heather, in full sun to encourage profuse flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, according to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension, but will not flower as much. Spade the bed well, before planting, and add organic material such as peat to create drainage. Mexican Heather requires good drainage. Fertilize with 10-10-10 fertilizer every six weeks, starting in spring. Pinch back stems to help it develop a full, bushy habit. Start new plants with cuttings or by transplanting the seedlings that spring up under the canopy of a parent plant. Watch for mites and caterpillars that sometimes attack Mexican heather. Plants heavily infested must be removed and destroyed. Treat others with Sevin or permethrin-containing insecticides, advises Florida’s IFAS Extension.Source:University of Florida IFAS Extension: Mexican Heather for Dry Spring WeatherClemson Extension: Growing AnnualsUniversity of Florida IFAS Extension: Cuphe
