MEXICAN HEATHER ‘PURPLE’ Cuphea hyssopifolia Characteristics Type: Annual Bloom Description: Lavender Family: Lythraceae Sun: Full sun Native Range: Mexico, Guatemala Water: Medium Zone: 9 to 11 Maintenance: Low Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies Spread: 0.75 to 2.50 feet Suggested Use: Annual Bloom Time: Flowers freely Flower: Showy Culture Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11. In colder regions, it is grown as an annual, container plant or houseplant. In the garden, it is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. May be grown from seed started indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Tolerates high summer heat and some drought. Best with regular moisture. If grown in containers, plants may be overwintered indoors in warm, sunny locations. Easily propagated from tip cuttings. Best to start new plants each year, however. Noteworthy Characteristics Cuphea hyssopifolia, commonly called Mexican heather, is native from Mexico to Guatemala. It is a rounded, densely branched 1-2’ tall tropical sub-shrub. It produces quaint, small, trumpet-shaped flowers with six spreading lavender petals and green calyx tubes. Flowers appear singly in the leaf axils along stems crowded with lance-shaped glossy green leaves (to 3/4” long). Blooms profusely summer to frost. Although heather-like in appearance, this plant is not a member of the heather family, hence the sometimes used common name of false heather. Some white- and pink-flowered cultivars are available. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Garden Uses Annual for borders, beds, ground cover or edgings along walkways or paths. Container plant for decks, patios or porches. Hanging baskets. Houseplant. Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder .