Mexican Scots heather ( Cuphea hyssopifolia ) , also known as false heather mixture , is a member of the home Lythraceae . Native to Mexico and Guatemala , Mexican heather is a perennial evergreen plant that favour fond , tropic climates such as those in USDA planting zone 9 and 10 . It will live in zone 8 , but might die to the terra firma in wintertime and return in spring . It will grow best planted outdoors in these planting zones . In all other zone , Mexican heather should be planted in containers where the climate can be control .
Step 1
fetch container - grown Mexican heather indoors , in the consequence of a freezing or frost , as it is very cold - raw . range the container in a cheery , lovesome region and do not direct outdoors until the weather has warm .
Step 2
Water the ground around the Mexican heather well , being certain it reaches down to the plant ’s root scheme , at least 24 hours before a icing or halt . This will give the plant ’s ancestor organization extra protection during the cold weather and keep it warm .
Step 3
Mulch around the works with cypress mulch , pine barque , leaf or pine needles to help the dirt keep on warmth . This will also provide the soil and root system of rules to hold back moisture .
Step 4
Cover the Mexican heather with a sheet , mantle or some other case of natural covering made out of cloth . Plastic will burn the plants once the sunlight develop . lieu brick , dirt , wood or some other type of material on top of the cloth to keep it in station if the weather is windy as well as cold .
Step 5
station a 60 - watt outdoor light under the blankets cover the Mexican heather , to serve produce more heat . String a fibril of Christmas lights around the plant ’s foliage , if a severe halt is not expected . This will give the works a constant supply of heat , as well as a festive tone .
Tip
Mexican heather turn to a peak of 24 inches and forms a mound 18 to 36 in in diameter , gain this a good works to use in moulding . Mexican heather blooms twelvemonth - round with flowers in purple , lavender and the less - vulgar white . Mexican heather is comparatively drouth - tolerant once established and has very few pest problems .
Warning
Wait until spring to prune the Mexican heather if the plant catch Robert Frost - burned . Continue to protect the plant during cold snaps , but country of the plant that take care dead might come back to life in spring .
