False heather - Cuphea hyssopifolia (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

False heather

Also known as: Elfin herb

A native of Mexico and parts of Central America, false heather is a small unassuming plant that makes a great addition to beds and borders. It has attractive evergreen foliage and when in bloom has lavender, white, or purple flowers. In the state of Hawaii, this naturalized plant is regarded as a weed.

Scientific classification

Species

False heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid summer

Harvest Time

60 cm

Plant Height

90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Purple, White, Pink, Lavender

Flower Color

Green, White, Purple, Pink

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of False heather

Distribution of False heather

Distribution Map

False heather is native in the region from Mexico to Central USA, where it grows in warm, temperate conditions at medium elevations above sea level (500 to 2240 meters). It's been introduced to areas of South America and Southeast Asia predominantly but is believed to be a transformative invasive in Cuba and a weed in Hawaii.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Orchards, gardens, banks of streams, streams, tropical deciduous and sub-deciduous forests, mountain mesophilic forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Cultivated as a perennial in warmer climates and an annual in colder ones, false heather is a common border, potted, and hanging plant. Its multitude of long-lasting bright flowers and appeal to birds and butterflies make it popular in all types of gardens. False heather can be used to bring a pop of color to an otherwise uninteresting area, such as a patio or deck. Primroses, snapdragons, and angelonias make for lovely companions.

Symbolism

Good luck lavender: admiration, Solitude

Interesting Facts

The latin name Cuphea hyssopifolia means "hyssop-leafed," referring to a known plant leaf shape within the mint family. It also appears in other similar species to Cuphea hyssopifolia, like Bassia hyssopifolia.

Name Story

False heather: The plant is not related to the more common Scotch heather but its small-leaved, ferny foliage does look similar to that of heather. Therefore, it is called false heather.

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Quickly Identify False heather

Compact shrub reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.

Lance-shaped glossy leaves with fine texture and pubescent undersides.

Trumpet-shaped lavender flowers with six petals and crinkled sepals.

Dehiscent capsules with reddish-brown seeds and pitted texture.

Green stems covered with puberulent and strigose hairs, slightly reddish in hue.

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Care Guide for False heather

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: False heather prefers conditions similar to its tropical habitat, requiring consistent moisture but avoiding waterlogging. It is moderately drought-tolerant, thriving with higher humidity. Watering every 1-2 weeks is optimal, especially outdoors, while monitoring soil moisture to prevent root rot during active growth.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of false heather, use high-nitrogen fertilizers monthly in spring and summer, and a balanced liquid fertilizer for foliage and blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root damage. Reduce feeding in autumn and winter, and apply fertilizer to moist soil to enhance false heather's health and appearance.

Pruning: Prune false heather in early spring to promote dense growth and extend flowering. Trim leggy stems and shape to maintain compactness. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease and avoid late fall pruning to protect against frost damage.

Propagation: False heather thrives in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Propagating via cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems encourages rapid rooting. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a sand and peat mix. Roots establish within weeks under adequate light and warmth.

Repotting: Repot false heather every 2-3 years in spring, using a slightly larger container and well-draining potting mix. After repotting, ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight to reduce stress, promoting optimal growth for this bushy, evergreen shrub.

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Images of False heather

Distribution of False heather

Culture

Quickly Identify False heather

Care Guide for False heather

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