false heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flowers:
Lavender Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
False heather requires moderate levels of moisture, so it should be watered regularly to ensure that the soil stays moist. The best way to water this plant is by using a watering can to evenly distribute the water over the soil. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to reach a significant depth. Avoid overhead watering and soak the soil until it is damp, but not saturated. Depending on the temperature and the humidity levels, false heather should be watered once every 2 to 3 days. In very hot weather with a lot of sun, it might require an extra watering session. In winter, watering should be reduced and only done if the soil is very dry.
sunlight
False heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) prefers a minimum of 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day. Although it can survive in full sun, too much of it can cause the false heather to become stressed and can leave it with sunburn. Instead, try to keep it in an area where it will receive partial shade in the afternoon. Additionally, if the area cannot provide enough indirect sunlight, using a grow light to supplement the existing sunlight can help ensure that your plant thrives.
pruning
False heather should be pruned annually for shaping and size control. Prune in early spring, cutting back the shrub by no more than 1-third of its total height and width. Remove the oldest and longest branches, as these have the least amount of new growth and flowering potential. Prune off any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Remove wayward shoots that are out of shape or are growing in the wrong direction. Lightly trim the shrubs to remove excess foliage and blooms after it has finished flowering.