How big does Cuphea hyssopifolia grow?
2 feet tall
The small lavender-purple flowers appear singly in the leaf axis along the stem and bloom profusely till frost. The plant tends to grow to 2 feet tall and wide in a rounded shape with multiple stems and is evergreen in warm climates or indoors.
Is cuphea an annual or perennial?
Cuphea Plant Features
Throughout most of the country, cuphea is grown as an annual, but in frost-free regions it is perennial in nature. Cuphea forms a busy mound layered with nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Does Mexican heather like sun or shade?
full sun
Culture: Average, well-drained soil with full sun to light shade is fine in most areas. In hot climates, partial shade can help to keep the foliage from fading.
Do Mexican heathers come back every year?
Mexican Heather will not tolerate freezing temperatures, but will reemerge after mild winters. A layer of mulch around its crown helps to protect its roots from winter damage. Containers can be brought inside for winter protection. We do, however, think that new spring plantings still look and perform best each year.
Do you cut back Cuphea?
Pruning and deadheading:
Cupheas are self-cleaning, so no deadheading is needed to ensure continuous flower production. If you want to make your plants bushier and more compact, you can prune or pinch them back in late spring to encourage more branching and, in turn, more flowers.
Does Cuphea need full sun?
Fertilize cuphea regularly throughout the summer for the best, biggest, and most consistent display. Although some varieties may tolerate part shade, this annual likes full sun best.
Will cuphea come back every year?
Cuphea loves summer sun and heat, and when grown as an annual, it will bloom nonstop until the first frost. If you live in a frost-free climate, you can also grow it as an evergreen perennial.
Should I trim cuphea?
Cut your cigar plant back to the ground level in spring just before new growth resumes, if you live in an area where the plant overwinters successfully. This forces new shoots to form and rids the plant of woody stems from the previous season.
Where is the best place to plant Mexican heather?
Plant Mexican heather in a sunny or partially sunny spot with well-drained soil and feed with a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time. Mexican heather likes to be watered whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Should you cut back Mexican heather?
Mexican heather doesn’t need much pruning, but if your plant starts to look unkempt, you can shear back the plant by a third of its height to encourage tighter, more compact growth. Add fertilizer and mulch. Mexican heather bushes can benefit greatly from high-quality, organic fertilizers.
What do you do with Mexican heather in the winter?
Keep potted Mexican heather well-watered during the winter months, but allow the soil to visibly dry out between waterings. Mexican heather benefits from a period of rest during the cooler months, so it is best not to apply fertilizer from autumn until spring.
How do I overwinter Cuphea?
It is easily rooted from cuttings – even just in water, and plants can be overwintered inside in areas with severe frost. I keep mine in a cool basement with low level fluorescent lighting during the winter. They do fine.
How do you make cuphea bushy?
Does cuphea like full sun?
Bat-faced cuphea prefers rich organic soil that drains well. In many parts of the country, this plant is grown in full sun. In hot zones such as Central Texas and the Arizona desert, however, it needs a little – or even more than a little – shade.
Should I trim Cuphea?
Cupheas are self-cleaning, so no deadheading is needed to ensure continuous flower production. If you want to make your plants bushier and more compact, you can prune or pinch them back in late spring to encourage more branching and, in turn, more flowers.
How do you take care of Cuphea?
Grow in full sun in average, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Once established, plants can tolerate dryer growing conditions. Fertilize twice a month in summer with a water-soluble fertilizer (such as 15-30-15) to keep plants flowering all season long.
Does Cuphea like full sun?
Grow bat-faced cuphea in full sun in the ground or in containers. Provide regular moisture, although plants will tolerate dry conditions occasionally. Fertilize plants in containers several times during the summer months. Pinch back or shear if plants become too leggy later in the growing season.
How often do you water cuphea?
Good drainage and a pot with a hole is required. To water very abundantly every 3-4 days, it is necessary to wet the earth well well, so that the water flows out of the drainage hole. The substrate should dry slightly between waterings, but it must never completely dry up.
Should I cut my Mexican heather back?
Prune Mexican heather lightly during the spring if the plant looks scraggly or overgrown. Otherwise, no pruning is required. Surround the plant with a thin layer of mulch in spring to minimize moisture evaporation and keep weeds in check.
Do you cut back Mexican heather in the winter?
Mexican heather will look better and grow more dense, lush foliage in spring if you cut it back in late winter or early spring. Cut the whole plant back by half, using sharp pruning shears. Wipe down the blades of the pruning shears with full-strength disinfectant prior to using them to kill any harmful pathogens.
How cold can Cuphea tolerate?
Grown as an annual in much of the country, bat-faced cuphea is evergreen to the upper 20s°F and root hardy to the lower 20s°F. In some areas, it will die to the ground and – with heavy mulching – grow back from the roots.
Is Cuphea frost hardy?
Tiny Mice (Cuphea ‘Tiny Mice’)
Flowering begins in spring and continues through to autumn. ‘Tiny Mice’ likes a position in full sun or part shade, and is frost and salt tolerant. It is useful as an accent plant in garden beds, in containers, or for poolside or seaside plantings.
Does Cuphea go dormant?
They are considered a perennial in warmer regions but will go dormant during the winter seasons in other colder areas.
How do you take care of cuphea?
Is cuphea a hardy?
They prefer fresh, loose, nutrient-rich soil and a bright location without exposure to midday sun. As they are not winter hardy, it is best to plant Cuphea in a pot, balcony box or container. This way you can move them to a warmer spot in winter to ensure they flower again the following year.