The bee-friendly Japanese myrtle fits perfectly in the rock garden, but can also be planted in a bucket. A sunny location and loose soil is preferred.
The Japanese myrtle (Cuphea hyssopifolia) or Japanese myrtle convinces with its willingness to bloom. From spring to October, the popular balcony and tub plant adorns itself with its small flowers, which are impressive in white, red or pink with their variety of colors. The Japanese myrtle is a versatile and easy-care plant for a varied garden design.
The most important key points for fast readers
- further names: False Heath, Cuphea
- Flowering period: March to October
- Flower Color: White, Pink, Red, Purple, Pink
- Use: Borders, Rock Garden, Balcony
- Special features: Continuous bloomers, easy to care for, avoided by snails
Origin and characteristics
The Japanese false myrtle is often referred to as false heather, but it is one of the willow-rich plants and is therefore not related to heather and myrtle.
The plants come from Central America and are usually cultivated as annuals in our latitudes. As a bee pasture, the robust plant in the bed or balcony box is a talking point.
Location and Ground
The Japanese myrtle feels most comfortable in a sunny to partially shaded location. The most delicate flower heads show up in a bright spot and in direct sunlight.
» Tip: In extreme heat, the Japanese myrtle wants to move to a shady location. Even frost is not tolerated.
The Japanese mock myrtle can be cultivated in normal potting soil. In the field, a nutrient-rich and sandy soil is optimal. The Japanese myrtle is preferably planted in the rock garden bed. Heavy loamy soils should be loosened up with sand because the substrate must be well drained. A loose sandy soil can be upgraded with good quality potting soil. It is important that there is no waterlogging.
Plant Japanese mock myrtle
If the plants are left in their original culture pot, the Japanese false myrtle will bloom, but it is far from showing its full splendor and abundance of flowers. The plants can only develop accordingly if they are provided with more substrate.
Therefore, choose balcony boxes and planters that are large enough and fill them with high-quality potting soil, because the nutrients in the substrate quickly run out in smaller planters.
It is important when planting in pots that there are enough drainage holes in the planter. A drainage layer of gravel or potsherds also counteracts waterlogging.
Care for Japanese mock myrtle
The perennial flowering plant needs to be watered regularly. The Japanese myrtle reacts very sensitively to waterlogging. Depending on the weather and rainfall, watering should be done every two to three days.
» Tip: With well-rooted plants, the substrate can also dry out briefly. In this case, drought is tolerated better than waterlogging.
In midsummer, daily watering is often necessary. Container plants generally need to be watered more often than the Japanese myrtle in the bed, as there is more soil volume available.
The perennial bloomer should be fertilized regularly. If a long-term fertilizer is already used during planting, the plant is supplied with sufficient nutrients in the first few weeks. Subsequent fertilization must then only take place in early summer.
» Tip: The fertilizer should not be applied to dry soil. This damages the roots.
For bedding plants, liquid fertilizer that is simply added to the irrigation water is a good idea. If the Japanese myrtle is left in the pot, fertilizer sticks have proven themselves.
Diseases and Pests
Diseases and pests are not known for the Japanese false myrtle. Even snails don't like the robust plant.
The False Heath can be weakened by care mistakes. If waterlogging occurs, the roots rot and the plant dies. If the location is too dark and shady, the willingness to flower decreases.
Wintering Japanese mock myrtle
The plants are not hardy and are therefore usually disposed of after flowering. However, overwintering is possible. They survive the cold seasonPlant at temperatures between seven and ten degrees in a bright spot. Watering is sporadic. Fertilizer is not applied in winter quarters.
In spring, the ornamental plants should slowly get used to the higher temperatures and initially placed in the shade for a few days so that the leaves do not get sunburnt.