Cuphea hyssopifolia (false heather, Mexican heather, Hawaiian heather or elfin herb) is a small evergreen shrub native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.[1][2] It grows to about 60 cm (24 in) high by 90 cm (35 in) wide and has purple, lavender or white coloured flowers and fine foliage.[3]
The species is naturalised in Hawaii, and regarded as a serious weed there.[3]
In cultivation, the species adapts to a range of soils in a sunny or partially shaded situation with good drainage.[3] IIt can be cultivated outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8B-11.[3] In colder regions it may be cultivated as an annual.[3] Plants may be propagated by cuttings, layering or division. They seed freely, and new seedlings that appear are easily transplanted.[3]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.