Mexican heather, false heather, Hawaiian heather, or elfin herb (scientific name: *Cuphea hyssopifolia*) is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that grows bright green foliage and small white, lavender or purple flowers that [attract hummingbirds](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide) and other pollinators. The shrub is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras (and naturalized in Hawaii). It can grow as a [perennial](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different) in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 or as an annual or container plant in colder climates. 

Mexican heather growers often use the subshrub as a groundcover or border plant in landscaping; it’s also a popular choice for <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock gardens","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock gardens</a>.
Mexican heather is a heat-loving flowering plant, so plant it after the last threat of frost or freezing temperatures in your area, when the nights stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit—usually in late spring or early summer months. Its bloom time is mid-summer when hot temperatures bring purple or white flowers.
Here’s how to transplant potted Mexican heather into your garden:

1. __Choose the planting site__. Mexican heather does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, so choose a spot that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. 
2. __Prepare the soil__. Mexican heather isn’t picky about nutrients or soil composition, but it will do best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Alternatively, you can plant Mexican heather in pots with good drainage to grow the plants outdoors for the summer and move them indoors as houseplants during colder months. 
3. __Dig the holes__. Space holes at least two feet apart to allow Mexican heather plants to spread. Dig each hole an inch wider and deeper than the root ball of each plant.
4. __Transplant the plants__. Gently remove each plant from its nursery pot and place it in a hole. Fill the hole in with soil.
5. __Water immediately__. Water around each plant thoroughly to settle the soil and give the plants a good drink. 
6. __Mulch (optional)__. If your area frequently experiences cool temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, consider adding a layer of [mulch](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden) around your plants to insulate the soil. Mulch also helps preserve moisture and reduce weeds.
The Mexican heather plant is a low-maintenance shrub that requires only basic care:

1. __Water about once a week__. Water Mexican heather deeply about every week during the growing season, allowing the top two inches of the soil to become dry before watering again. Mexican heather can tolerate drought but doesn’t like “wet feet,” when its roots sit in soggy soil.
2. __Prune occasionally__. Mexican heather plants don’t require pruning to stay healthy, but occasional [pruning](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-prune-your-plants-and-trees) can help remove old growth and encourage the plant to stay bushy. If you notice your plants adopting thin or leggy growth habits, trim back the branches with sharp gardening shears. 
3. __Keep an eye out for pests__. Mexican heather isn’t usually a target for garden pests, but if you notice flea beetles or spider mites on your plants, spray them off with a sharp jet of water or apply a natural insecticide like neem oil to the leaves. 

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.
Mexican heather is a hardy shrub that can attract beneficial pollinators into home gardens. Learn how to plant and care for this drought-tolerant plant.

Mexican heather is a hardy shrub that can attract beneficial pollinators into home gardens. Learn how to plant and care for this drought-tolerant plant.

How to Plant Mexican Heather: 3 Care Tips for Mexican Heather

Mexican heather, false heather, Hawaiian heather, or elfin herb (scientific name: Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that grows bright green foliage and small white, lavender or purple flowers that <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hummingbird-flowers-guide","linkCopy":"attract hummingbirds","category":null}'>attract hummingbirds</a> and other pollinators. The shrub is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras (and naturalized in Hawaii). It can grow as a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-annuals-perennials-and-biennials-different","linkCopy":"perennial","category":null}'>perennial</a> in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 or as an annual or container plant in colder climates. Mexican heather growers often use the subshrub as a groundcover or border plant in landscaping; it’s also a popular choice for <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas-and-design-guide","linkCopy":"rock gardens","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>rock gardens</a>.

What Is Mexican Heather?

Mexican heather is a heat-loving flowering plant, so plant it after the last threat of frost or freezing temperatures in your area, when the nights stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit—usually in late spring or early summer months. Its bloom time is mid-summer when hot temperatures bring purple or white flowers.

When to Plant Mexican Heather

Here’s how to transplant potted Mexican heather into your garden:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Choose the planting site. Mexican heather does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, so choose a spot that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Prepare the soil. Mexican heather isn’t picky about nutrients or soil composition, but it will do best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Alternatively, you can plant Mexican heather in pots with good drainage to grow the plants outdoors for the summer and move them indoors as houseplants during colder months. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Dig the holes. Space holes at least two feet apart to allow Mexican heather plants to spread. Dig each hole an inch wider and deeper than the root ball of each plant. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Transplant the plants. Gently remove each plant from its nursery pot and place it in a hole. Fill the hole in with soil. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Water immediately. Water around each plant thoroughly to settle the soil and give the plants a good drink. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Mulch (optional). If your area frequently experiences cool temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, consider adding a layer of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden","linkCopy":"mulch","category":null}'>mulch</a> around your plants to insulate the soil. Mulch also helps preserve moisture and reduce weeds. </li></ol>

How to Plant Mexican Heather

The Mexican heather plant is a low-maintenance shrub that requires only basic care:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Water about once a week. Water Mexican heather deeply about every week during the growing season, allowing the top two inches of the soil to become dry before watering again. Mexican heather can tolerate drought but doesn’t like “wet feet,” when its roots sit in soggy soil. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Prune occasionally. Mexican heather plants don’t require pruning to stay healthy, but occasional <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-prune-your-plants-and-trees' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-prune-your-plants-and-trees","linkCopy":"pruning","category":null}'>pruning</a> can help remove old growth and encourage the plant to stay bushy. If you notice your plants adopting thin or leggy growth habits, trim back the branches with sharp gardening shears. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Keep an eye out for pests. Mexican heather isn’t usually a target for garden pests, but if you notice flea beetles or spider mites on your plants, spray them off with a sharp jet of water or apply a natural insecticide like neem oil to the leaves. </li></ol>

How to Care for Mexican Heather

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described &quot;Gangster Gardener.&quot; Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

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Mexican heather is a hardy shrub that can attract beneficial pollinators into home gardens. Learn how to plant and care for this drought-tolerant plant.

Mexican heather is a hardy shrub that can attract beneficial pollinators into home gardens. Learn how to plant and care for this drought-tolerant plant.
