Product Description:
Cuphea is a low-maintenance annual that blooms from late spring until frost without needing deadheading. While the flowers of this plant may be small, they more than make up for size in quantity. Cuphea loves summer sun and heat, and when grown as an annual, it will bloom nonstop until the first frost. If you live in a frost-free climate, you can also grow it as an evergreen perennial. Some species are called cigar plants due to their tubular, cigar shaped flowers tipped in red or yellow (like a lit cigar). Many gardeners have learned the value of Cuphea for summer long flowers. We value them not only for the small, attractive flowers, but also for the hummingbirds, butterflies, and nectar-feeding insects that swarm around them.
Water:
Water regularly until plants become well established, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once they take root, plants can tolerate drier growing conditions.
Light:
Full sun north, filtered sun to part shade south.
Soil:
well-drained, moist soil required.
Fertilizer:
To keep your cuphea plants flowering vigorously all season, fertilize them regularly with a water soluble fertilizer , or once in the spring with a slow release granular fertilizer.
Temperature:
Mexican heather is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It cannot survive freezing temperatures. In colder regions, move the plant indoors after the flowers drop.
How To Propagate Mexican Heather Cuphea:
Propagation of Cuphea is from cutting,
To propagate from cuttings, cut a four to 6″ inch branch.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
- Place the tip in the soil in a 4″ inch pot.
- Water once or twice per week until the plant takes root.
- After the root system is established, transplant to larger containers or plant outdoors.
Pruning:
Remove yellow or dying leaves, and plant debris to encourage better-growing conditions. While pruning, always use clean utensils or shears to reduce the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases.
