Mexican Heather: An Annual or Perennial Depending on the Weather

Mexican Heather is the perfect size for the front border of an annual or perennial bed. It also makes an excellent addition to vegetable gardens because it draws pollinators like crazy. This plant is one of those annual/perennial types of plants that depend on what type of weather we have through winter. Too much cold and you may have to replace it. If the winter is mild this perennial will pop back up. 

Its mature size of 12″-18″ tall x wide is perfect in the small scale garden or the front row. The foliage , equally tiny is a true green completely lined with tiny purple flowers from spring to first frost. You may also find the flower color in magenta or white, but purple is the most common hue in the market.

These flowers, while small in size, are profuse and flush out, often offering local pollinators nectar throughout most of the year. Birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths all seek out the vibrant blooms.

This plant is virtually pest and disease free. For the most part, if you are taking care of it properly most pests don’t seek it out and will leave it alone. Besides offering Mexican Heather regular water, it is a really low maintenance plant that does great in both landscapes and containers.

Mexican Heather does best when it is planted in an area that receives partial sun, morning and early afternoon sun with a little bit of shade during the hottest part of the day during our summers. When planted in full sun, its foliage turns a much lighter green. Plant in soil that has been amended with compost and make sure that it drains well, this annual won’t tolerate wet feet. Incorporating some slow-release fertilizer at planting helps it to continue to put on tons of tiny flowers.