Cuphea
Cuphea
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 14, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Cuphea
Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a compact tropical shrub from Mexico and Guatemala smothered nearly year-round in tiny purple, pink, or white flowers along its fine-textured stems. It is widely used as a low border plant and pollinator garden staple in warm climates. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Pink, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Grow Cuphea in full sun to part shade; at least 4–6 hours of direct sun per day produces the most prolific blooming. In Northeast Florida's intense summer heat, a bit of afternoon shade is tolerated but full sun is preferred.
Water regularly until established, then reduce to moderate irrigation. Cuphea is drought-tolerant once roots are established; avoid waterlogged soil, which promotes root rot in Florida's sandy landscape.
Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Amend with compost to improve moisture retention. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and again in midsummer; excessive nitrogen reduces flowering.
Similar needs
Camellia
Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Firespike
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Jasmine
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Loropetalum
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Photinia
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
St. John's Wort
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Cuphea a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cuphea is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 1-2 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.