The Japanese myrtle (also: Japanese myrtle) is a flowering miracle for the whole summer. With a large number of filigree flowers, the species, also known as Cuphea, delights in sunny locations. From April until the first frost, the quiver flower blooms tirelessly. Because of its shape, Cuphea is also known as the False Pagan. However, the plant, which originates from Central America, belongs to the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) and is not related to either myrtle or heather. The Japanese myrtle is not hardy. From mid-May, the robust plant canbe planted on the bed, in the window box, in the cemetery or in bowls. The quiver flower fits harmoniously into any planting and can look stylish in colorful combinations or in connection with the same flower color. The flower shape is ideal for insects and thus the Japanese myrtle counts as an important bee plant.

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Worth knowing about the Japanese false myrtle

Botanical name: Cuphea hyssopifolia
Other names: false myrtle, quiver flower, quiver flower, Cuphea, false heather
Use: balcony plant, border plant, cemetery planting, bee pasture, underplanting of stems, rock garden
Origin: South America
Flower colours: purple, white, pink, pink, red
Flowering period: April until October
Special features: The tireless, long-lasting bloomer is rainproof, easy to care for and decorative. The flower is formed from 6 petals. Mock myrtle is not sensitive to snails, which is very practical and makes the plants ideal for planting in borders and cemeteries.

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In which location does the Japanese pseudomyrtle feel most comfortable?

Cuphea prefers a sunny place with well-drained and humus-rich soil. The optimal location for the Japanese myrtle should be sunny to semi-shady. The popular bedding and balcony plants bloom best in a bright location with direct sunlight. It is important that the soil does not tend to become waterlogged. The quiver flower feels good in the rock garden, where there is sufficient sunlight, or as summer planting in the cemetery. The false myrtle also thrives in balcony boxes or pots in a sunny location. In the short term, the Japanese mock myrtle can be enjoyed as a houseplant.

Our gardening tip: A sandy-clayey soil rich in humus is ideal for the false myrtle. Light sandy soils should be improved with high-quality potting soil before planting. The use of sand is essential for heavy clay soils.

How do I plant my mock myrtle?

Planting or repotting the balcony plant is optimal, because the pseudomyrtle can only develop further with a larger volume of soil. If the quiver flower is left in the culture vessel, it will bloom, but growth and luxuriant blooms are not to be expected. Plant the filigree balcony plant in a larger planter, the balcony box or directly in the ground. Here it is important that structurally stable potting soil with good water storage capacity and sufficient long-term fertilizer is used. Water the balcony plant thoroughly before planting and place the potted ball in the prepared planting hole with special soil. Water the plant well immediately after planting or repotting.

Our gardening tip: When planting in containers, make sure that the container has a water drainage hole, that you first put a drainage layer on the bottom of the pot and only combine it with plants that have similar water requirements.

How do I properly care for my quiver flower?

A humus-rich and well-drained soil is essential for the thriving of false myrtle. Special care is not necessary because the seasonal plant grows bushy and branches out without pruning. Cleaning is not necessary either, the quiver flower is self-cleaning, so to speak. Japanese false myrtles are absolutely easy to care for and grateful plants that bloom for months under the right site conditions. Cuphea do not need pruning, but you can shorten long shoots at any time.

How do I water my Japanese mock myrtle properly?

Cuphea is easy to care for and not very demanding when it comes to watering. It is important that the ornamental plant is watered well immediately after planting and watered as needed in the first few weeks. This means that depending on the temperature and rainfall, watering is necessary every 2 to 3 days. Once the perpetual bloomer has gained a foothold and enough new roots have formed, even a brief drought will be forgiven. Waterlogging should always be avoided. Daily watering may be necessary in midsummer and in full sun. The volume of soil available to the seasonal plant is also important for the watering interval. It is easier to care for in large pots or planted out in the ground.

How do I fertilize my false myrtle correctly?

For lush growth, Cuphea hyssopifolia needs regular fertilization. The use of long-term fertilizer when planting is ideal. This provides the plants with sufficient nutrients in the first few weeks. Top-up fertilization is required from June. Ideally suited for this is Kölle’s Best Flowering Plant Fertilizer. In addition to minerals and trace elements, this high-quality special fertilizer contains natural, revitalizing humic substances. This improves nutrient absorption and promotes flowering. Dose the fertilizer according to the package information. Note that never apply fertilizer on dry soil should be done, otherwise root damage may occur.

Our gardening tip: Fertilizer sticks are practical for individual Cuphea in pots. Also make sure that the soil is never completely dry.

What pests and diseases can Japanese myrtle get?

There are no known pests or diseases in the case of false myrtle grown outdoors. Problems are usually a result of too much water or too dark, shady location.

Are you looking for more information about pests and diseases or do you have questions about a plant problem? Our plant doctors will be happy to help you – in person and online!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Mock Myrtle

Why does the quiver flower only bloom sparsely?

Too shady a location is usually responsible if Cuphea only has a few flowers. The perennial bloomer prefers full sun.

With which plants can Japanese false myrtles be combined?

All balcony plants that prefer the sun are ideal. Best suited for a combination with the false myrtle are Hussar’s Head, Blue Daisy, Loyal to Men or Magic Snow. Grasses and structural plants also create a beautiful picture with the Japanese myrtle.

Can you overwinter false myrtles?

Japanese mock myrtle can be overwintered in a light location with temperatures of 10 to 12 °C. Be sure to water very sparingly during the winter months. A pruning of 50% before wintering is advisable. Cuphea cannot overwinter outdoors.

How can the Japanese mock myrtle be propagated?

The false myrtle can be propagated by cuttings. For this purpose, 10 cm long shoots are cut in late summer and placed in a pot with soil. After 3 to 4 weeks, the plants have formed new roots and are overwintered indoors at 15 °C and with sufficient light.

Are Japanese Myrtle Poisonous?

Cuphea hyssopifolia are not poisonous.

Is the Japanese mock myrtle perennial?

The quiver flower is not hardy. In its homeland, the Japanese false myrtle is perennial. Planted in the ground, Cuphea does not survive low temperatures, but frost-free overwintering is possible.

Why is the quiver flower losing so many leaves?

Leaf fall in false myrtle is usually the result of drought or waterlogging. Low temperatures also cause the Japanese myrtle to lose many leaves. Improve the conditions and with a bit of luck you can still save the perennial bloomer. If the myrtle has dried up, no rescue is possible. Brown leaves on Cuphea can also be the result of too much fertilizer.

Can Japanese mock myrtle be used for grave planting?

From mid-May, Cuphea are suitable for grave planting. With a rich abundance of flowers and filigree foliage, the quiver flower is decorative in bowls or planted directly in the ground.

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