Water
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, but do not let the plant completely dry out.
Also known as Elfin Bush · Elfin Herb · Hyssop-Leaf Waxweed
False heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a delicate, shrubby plant producing small, prolific lavender-pink or white flowers. It thrives in warm climates and is ideal for bo
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but tolerates some shade.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing slight drying between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Regular Feeding
50% intensity
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. None in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, but do not let the plant completely dry out.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of new shoots to promote density. Heavy pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagate from softwood cuttings taken in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Cuttings should be about 7-10 cm long, with the lower leaves removed. Root them in moist, well-draining potting mix.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overwatering issues.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of False Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
Where False Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Cuphea |
| Species | Cuphea hyssopifolia |
Similar in genus Cuphea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
