Mexican Heather, also known as Lavender Lace Cuphea, is a lovely plant that adds a touch of beauty to any garden. While it shares some similarities with lavender, they are not the same plant. Let’s explore the differences between the two.
1. Appearance:
– Mexican Heather: This plant has a mounding habit and typically grows to a spread of about 16 to 18 inches. It features delicate, small purple blooms that resemble tiny heather flowers.
– Lavender: Lavender, on the other hand, is a taller plant that can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet. It has long, slender stems with narrow, aromatic leaves. Lavender blooms with spikes of small, fragrant purple flowers.
2. Growing Habits:
– Mexican Heather: Cuphea, or Mexican Heather, is an easy-going plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is known for its ability to tolerate heat and drought. It can be grown in containers, flower beds, or even as a border plant.
– Lavender: Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy perennial and can be grown in gardens, borders, or even as a hedge. Lavender requires regular watering but should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
3. Attracting Wildlife:
– Mexican Heather: One of the main attractions of Mexican Heather is its ability to attract hummingbirds with its purple blooms. These tiny birds are mesmerizing to watch and can add a touch of magic to your garden.
– Lavender: Lavender flowers also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The fragrant blooms act as a magnet for these beneficial insects, making lavender a great addition to any pollinator garden.
4. Maintenance:
– Mexican Heather: Cuphea is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much attention. It doesn’t need deadheading, as the spent blooms simply fall off on their own. However, a light pruning in early spring can help maintain its shape and promote new growth.
– Lavender: Lavender requires slightly more maintenance than Mexican Heather. It benefits from regular pruning to remove spent blooms and promote bushier growth. Additionally, lavender plants should be pruned in early spring to maintain their shape and prevent legginess.
While Mexican Heather and lavender may share some similarities in terms of their purple blooms and ability to attract wildlife, they are distinct plants with different growing habits and maintenance requirements. Both can add beauty and charm to your garden, so consider incorporating them based on your preferences and the specific needs of your garden.
