Cuphea hyssopifolia aka Elfin Herb

Taxonomy

Cuphea hyssopifolia, also known as false heather, Mexican heather, Hawaiian heather, or elfin herb, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is a compact and bushy spreading shrub, growing up to 45cm in height. The plant features small lance-shaped dark green leaves and clusters of light purple, pink, or white flowers that are approximately 1cm across. With a rounded shape, Mexican heather belongs to the Lythraceae family and typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet, spreading up to 2.5 feet. Its glossy green leaves remain on the shrub year-round, and it produces trumpet-shaped flowers with six petals and green tubes that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers, which are lavender or purple in color, continue to bloom abundantly until the arrival of the first frost. It is worth noting that outside of Mexico and South America, Mexican heather can be invasive.

Common names

Elfin Herb, Mexican Heather, False Heather

How to care for Elfin Herb

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Elfin Herb, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Elfin Herb should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Elfin Herb loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Elfin Herb prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Elfin Herb has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia