Hyssopifolia Purple

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lythraceae

Order

Myrtales

Genus

Cuphea

Species

hyssopifolia

Description

Ornamental perennial with compact growth and bushy habit; suitable for use in flowerbeds, also in arrangements with other species, and in pots or planters to decorate terraces and balconies. The small, elegant, sinuous flowers appear in abundance from late spring to early autumn, creating a scenic overall effect. Of average rusticity, it does not require special care, preferring full sun exposures with suitable irrigation.

Species Video

https://youtu.be/XLbmEegfCNQ

Varietal description

It is a decorative plant for its small, bright flowers, excellent for balconies or small flower beds. It withstands very well and even benefits from hot summer climates where it gives maximum growth and flowering.

curiosity and special features

Used, in some areas of origin, in traditional medicine and as a natural insecticide.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, naturalised in Hawaii where it is considered a pest due to its vigorous growth, and spread throughout Europe as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

The flower is small, lending elegance to the lush, prolonged flowering.

Leaf

The leaf has an obovate lamina

Flowering period

The flowers are visible from late spring to early autumn for a duration of 90 to 120 days; this ample period allows us to enjoy its blooms in flower beds and pots for almost three seasons.

Leaf color

Leaf Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m, suitable for even mixed beds as a first or second level plant.

Lifespan

A perennial plant, in geographical areas with a harsh winter climate it is often regarded as an annual, so it is advisable in such thermal conditions to retreat or cover the plant with non-woven fabric.

Suggested planting locations

Because of the elegance and charm of its blooms, it is suitable for adorning, also in composition with other ornamentals, green spaces with a high decorative value such as flower beds, balconies

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a star-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from late spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

It expresses compact growth, ideal for use in flowerbeds or pots.

Plant habit

Characteristic bushy habit that makes the final effect very interesting from an aesthetic and decorative point of view, in flowerbeds or other settings.

branching

It develops medium branching, with a balanced ratio of foliage to flowers.

pH

The optimal pH in the soil is sub-acidic, in the range of 6.0 to 6.5.

soil preparation

For late spring transplanting into the flower bed, carry out light digging, removing any weeds and bulky stones, then continue by breaking up the coarser clods with the help of a hoe to give greater softness. Finally, add professional-quality substrate on the surface to an average height of 5/10 cm and carefully level out by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

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sun exposure

Likes exposure to half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C and is therefore suitable for warm temperate climates. The vital temperature is between 5 and 45 °C In this temperature range the plant can survive and then resume normal vegetative growth when the ideal temperature conditions are restored.

Use

Due to its excellent and prolonged flowering, it is widely used in:
Ornamental field

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, following a few exposition and irrigation measures will produce excellent vegetative growth and flowering results.

Soil/medium

The ideal soil is peaty, light and well-draining; for pots and planters, use a substrate for spring plants containing fibrous peat and perlite.

Maintenance

It is considered an easy plant to cultivate and maintain, and the level of management effort is low overall.

cultivation tips

Forbest vegetative development, it is recommended to

Expose the plant to maximum light In low light the plants do not flower

Composition

Ideal for compact and colourful flower bed compositions, also in combination with other ornamentals with different heights in order to create perspective views and beautiful colour contrasts, we recommend the use with Angelonia angustifolia and Lantana camara.

planting

Balanced vegetative growth also derives from a suitable planting pattern; an average bed density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended, thus achieving a well-proportioned and harmonious overall result.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication is by apical cuttings.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, by hand watering or irrigation system. When transplanting, avoid dryness by assisting the seedling as it may be more exposed to stress at the new planting site. Thereafter always keep the soil or substrate moist but at the same time free from waterlogging, which can cause root rot, and prevent water shortages with subsequent defoliation and dieback.

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Fertilization

After proper establishment at the new planting site, from late spring until late autumn, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental flowering plants to the soil or substrate, which should be diluted in the irrigation water according to the instructions on the relevant information label.

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Pet friendly

Ingestion toxicity for pets not known, consider case-specific.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

advise 1

Prevent the plant from drying out otherwise it will defoliate completely. Does not tolerate dryness. Has poor flowering if exposed to poor sunshine.