Cuphea

Cuphea Hyssopifolia Plants – Best In NZ!

Growing colourful plants in your garden such as Cuphea hyssopifolia delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have both the largest variety of Cuphea plants, and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cuphea, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cuphea Questions

1. What is another name for Cuphea?

Cuphea is a genus of flowering plants with over 260 species. It is native to the Americas and is commonly known as:

• Cigar plant
• Firecracker plant
• False heather
• Heatherette
• Mexican heather
• Elf herb
• Bat flower
• Bunny ears
• Mouse flower

Cuphea plants are known for their bright and colourful flowers, which are red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Cuphea are also known for their long flowering which typically lasts from spring to autumn.

2. Should I trim Cuphea?

It is a good idea to trim Cuphea plants as this encourages new growth and helps to shape and contain the plant. The best time to trim Cuphea plants is during spring, before new growth begins. However, you can trim the plants at any time during the growing season if needed.

3. How tall do Cuphea plants get?

Cuphea plants can grow from 30 cm to 1 m tall, depending on the species and the growing conditions. Some cuphea species, such as Cuphea ignea, grow to 1m tall, while others, such as Cuphea hyssopifolia, are more compact and only grow about 30 cm tall.

4. What is Cuphea used for?

Cuphea plants have a variety of uses, including:

• Ornamental plants: Cuphea plants are popular for landscaping and gardening. They are often used in borders, beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
• Medicinal plants: Cuphea plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including diarrhoea, dysentery, and inflammation.
• Essential oil plants: Cuphea plants can be used to produce essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy and cosmetics.
• Food plants: Some cuphea species, such as Cuphea carthagenensis, are edible and can be used in salads and other dishes.

5. What is the lifespan of Cuphea hyssopifolia?

The lifespan of Cuphea hyssopifolia, also known as Mexican heather, can vary. In warmer climates, where winters are mild, Cuphea hyssopifolia can be considered a tender perennial. This means it can live for multiple years, with some sources reporting a lifespan of up to 30 years with proper care. In colder climates or when grown indoors, Cuphea hyssopifolia is often treated as an annual.

6. Is Cuphea a lavender?

Cuphea is not a lavender. Here's why:

• Different families: While both share a similar lavender color in some varieties, they belong to different plant families. Cuphea belongs to the Lythraceae family, which includes plants like crape myrtle and firecracker plant. Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes mint, rosemary, and sage.
• Botanical characteristics: Although some Cuphea varieties have lavender-colored flowers, their flower structure and overall plant morphology differ from true lavender. For example, Cuphea flowers are typically trumpet-shaped with six petals, while lavender flowers are tubular with four petals. Additionally, Cuphea leaves are usually opposite (growing in pairs on opposite sides of the stem), while lavender leaves are whorled (growing in groups of three or more around the stem).
• Origin and uses: Cuphea originates in Central and South America, while lavender originates in the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. Cuphea is primarily grown for its attractive flowers and as a pollinator magnet, while lavender is known for its aromatic leaves and culinary and medicinal uses.