‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather
by CMG Kathleen S.
Photo from gardencentermarketing.com
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a fantastic plant for the South Texas gardener. It is versatile, showy and low maintenance. It is also considered a major pollen source for bees and butterflies. This plant can be found in many gardens belonging to older friends and family. Mexican heather has a long history in Texas gardens.
Recognized as a Texas Superstar® Plant, ‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather was also awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s (the UK’s leading gardening charity) Award of Garden Merit in 2020. ‘Allyson’ requires full sun but will appreciate light shade in the afternoon. It is not bothered by high heat or humidity. Regular watering is recommended but will not tolerate standing water. This plant will bloom continuously from summer until the first frost. It is a hardy perennial for zones 9 to 11.
In Comal county it is an annual. Temperatures below 35 degrees will kill the plant, and it will not tolerate frost. Some seedlings may return the following year but growing new plants is recommended. Height is 12 to 18 inches tall and 16 to 18 inches wide. ‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather is an evergreen plant in frost free areas and will stop blooming in winter. The blooms are tubular shaped with a reddish-purple color. Landscape plantings will do well in native well drained soil amended with a landscape mix containing finished compost. Incorporating slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting will allow for vigorous growth and a mass of flowers. For continuous bloom it is beneficial to supplement a water soluble fertilizer every 10 to 14 days throughout the growing season.
Propagation is not complicated. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Soak seeds in warm water before planting. Cover with a little soil. Germination can take as long as 30 days. Starting new plants from cuttings is also possible.
Photo from lawnmoregainesville.com
‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather can be used as a groundcover, a border, a mass planting or a container plant. It is especially showy when paired with plants that have unusual leaf or flower characteristics. Pair Mexican heather with green and purple varieties of coral bells, the upright habit of snapdragons or the bright yellow blooms of Stella d’ Oro daylilies are but a few ideas.
Photo from Missouribotanicalgarden.com
‘Allyson’ Mexican Heather is a member of the Lythraceae family. The Botanical name is Cuphea hyssopifolia.
References: texassuperstar.com, wikipedia.org, missouribotanicalgarden.org, thespruce.com, gardeningknowhow.com