How to Grow Pink Mound

Pink Mound

Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Pink Mound'

shrub

Pink Mound is a compact, mounding ornamental shrub known for its delicate pink flowers and fine, needle-like foliage. This heat and drought-tolerant plant is prized for its long blooming season and low-maintenance requirements. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens.

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Example Pink Mound timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Pink Mound
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Pink Mound
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Mound dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best flowering

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Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-180 days to full maturity and dense flowering

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Planting depth: At soil level (same depth as nursery pot)

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or sand for drainage Aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler climates

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging, very delicate appearance

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Protect from direct afternoon sun if indoors.

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plant developing root system and establishing branching structure, 4-8 inches tall

Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Begin light fertilization. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Vigorous mounding growth with dense foliage development, fine needle-like leaves fully present

Maintain moderate watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage branching.

Flowering

6-12 weeks (or longer in ideal conditions)

Abundant small pink flowers covering the mound-shaped plant, blooms throughout warm season

Continue regular fertilization, focusing on bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently.

Mature/Maintenance

Ongoing with proper maintenance

Fully developed mounding shrub in continuous bloom, dense foliage base with flowering throughout

Reduce fertilizer frequency to monthly applications. Prune in late winter to maintain shape. Reduce watering in cooler months. Monitor for pests.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Lantana Esperanza Zinnia Angelita daisy Desert rose Mexican sage Sunflower

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently wet soil Shade-loving plants Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity in dry conditions.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Isolate affected plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days until controlled.
Improve air circulation; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray. Remove affected foliage. Reduce watering from above.

Uses

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Landscape accent and border

Ornamental

Pink Mound's delicate pink flowers and fine foliage create attractive mounding forms in gardens, borders, and landscape designs. Its long blooming season and compact growth make it ideal for creating soft color accents and textural interest. [source]

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Container gardening

Household

The compact mounding habit makes Pink Mound excellent for pots, hanging baskets, and container gardens on patios and balconies. Its drought tolerance once established makes it low-maintenance in container settings. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Pink Mound produces abundant small flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. It provides an excellent nectar source for hummingbirds and other pollinators. [source]

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Low-maintenance xeriscaping

Household

Once established, Pink Mound requires minimal water, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant and water-wise garden designs. Its heat tolerance and reduced irrigation needs make it ideal for water conservation landscaping. [source]

Harvest Tips

Pink Mound is an ornamental plant, not harvested for crops. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant shape. Prune in late winter to refresh the plant and remove any dead or crossing branches. Cut flowers can be used in small arrangements if desired.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pink Mound is native to Mexico and is commonly called 'Cuphea' or 'Elfin Myrtle,' though it's not related to true myrtles.
🌱 The plant can bloom prolifically for 8-12 months in warm climates with minimal pruning or deadheading required.
🌱 Pink Mound's fine, needle-like foliage resembles hyssop leaves, which is reflected in its scientific name 'hyssopifolia' meaning 'hyssop-leaved.'

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun pH Pinch Back True Leaves

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