Cuphea hyssopifolia ‘Allyson’
USDA ZONE 9 – 11
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‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather is a multi-stemmed annual with an upright spreading growth habit which blooms a plethora of petite rose-purple flowers from spring to the first hard frost. Its medium texture blends well into the garden and can always be complimented by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective configuration. This plant has not only been a favorite in Texas gardens for many years, but is also one of the top plants in attracting bees and butterflies.
Exposure: Ideally grows and blooms in full sun, but late afternoon summer shade is always preferred.
Size: Height — Grows 12 to 18 inches tall and 16 to 18 inches wide.
Plant type: Grown best as a seasonal annual, especially from late spring to the first frost. However they often re-sprout late the following spring from their crowns after a mild winter; but new spring plantings always outperform carry over plants.
Planting time: Plants are readily available in the spring through the summer months starting with 4 1/2 inch or quart size containers progressing later in the season to larger 10” hanging baskets and patio specimens.
Soil type: For landscape plantings, amending the native soil with liberal amounts of a landscape mix containing finished compost is ideal. Container specimens should be grown with a peat based premium potting mix that is cut with about 20% finished compost. Incorporating copious amounts of an appropriate slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting will help insure vigorous growth and a profusion of flowers. Supplementing every 10 to 14 days throughout the growing season with a water soluble fertilizer is also beneficial.
Suggested uses: Mass bedding, mixed borders, mixed containers, butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, stand-alone patio specimens and hanging baskets.
Special notes: Benefits from mulching and regular summer irrigation but does not tolerate standing water. It is also referred to as false heather.
Additional information in this AgriLife Today article.
