Cuphea hyssopifolia (Mexican Heather) on 8-7-09, #27-45.
Mexican Heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia
KYOO-fee-uh hiss-sop-ih-FOH-lee-uh
Synonyms of Cuphea hyssopifolia (5) (Updated on 12-20-23): Cuphea hyssopifolia var. brachyphylla Griseb., Cuphea hyssopifolia f. subrevoluta Koehne, Cuphea rivularis Seem., Cuphea sunubana Lourteig, Parsonsia hyssopifolia (Kunth) Standl.
Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth is the accepted scientific name for this species of Cuphea. It was first described by Karl(Carl) Sigismund Kunth in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum in 1824.
The genus, Cuphea P.Browne, was named and described by Patrick Browne in Civil and Natural History of Jamaica in Three Parts in 1756.
As of 12-20-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 250 species in the Cuphea genus. It is a member of the plant family Lythraceae with 28 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.
I brought my Mexican Heather home from Lowe’s in the spring of 2009. It did very well in 2009 but only fairly well in 2010. I don’t think it came up in 2011. It may have performed better in more sun. The Mexican Heather is a nice-looking plant with ferny-looking leaves. It flowers all along the stem.
This plant is perennial in USDA zones 8a-11 but can be grown in Missouri as an annual. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, it can also be grown as a container plant and as a houseplant. They tolerate heat and drought. New plants can be propagated from tip cuttings.
Cuphea hyssopifolia (Mexican Heather) on 9-8-09.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: Mexico and Guatemala.
Zones: USDA Zones 8a-11 (10-40° F).
Size: 12-24” tall x 12-30” wide.
Light: Sun to part shade.
Soil: Well-drained.
Water: Average water needs.
Propagation: Stem (tip) cuttings.
Uses: Beds, borders, containers, houseplant.
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