Allyson Heather
Allyson Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Allyson')
Allyson Heather is a compact, finely textured subshrub bearing masses of small lavender-purple flowers from spring to frost. Its mounded habit and glossy, heather-like foliage shine in borders, containers, and warm-climate beds.
Distinctive Features
Prolific, self-cleaning blooms cover the plant for an extended season, attracting pollinators without deadheading. Dense branching and tiny leaves create a neat, uniform mound that holds color and form in heat.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil; amend heavy clay for drainage.
- Water: Keep evenly moist to establish; moderate water thereafter with brief drought tolerance.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11.
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Continuous bloom and fine texture anchor small-space plantings.
- Edging: Low, tidy mounds define paths and bed lines.
- Containers: Reliable season-long color in porch pots and window boxes.
- Pollinator Gardens: Nectar-rich flowers support bees and butterflies.
- Bedding Displays: Uniform habit suits mass plantings in warm sites.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry before the next cycle.
- Pruning: Shear lightly once or twice in the season to refresh shape and promote rebloom.
- Fertilizing: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, dilute fertilizer.
- Mulching: Apply a 1 to 2 inch mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Notes: Frost sensitive; grow as an annual in cool climates or overwinter indoors.
Why Choose Allyson Heather?
- Long Bloom Window: Flowers steadily from spring through frost without heavy grooming.
- Heat Ready: Performs well in summer conditions with minimal stress.
- Compact Form: Neat mounds fit tight spaces and formal designs.
- Pollinator Friendly: Small tubular flowers attract beneficial insects.
- Versatile Use: Equally effective in beds, borders, and containers.
Plant in morning sun with light afternoon shade, provide sharp drainage, and shear lightly midseason to keep the habit dense and flowering.
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