How to Take Care of a Mexican Heather

Work a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost into the soil before planting Mexican heather to give new plants plenty of nutrients. Use a garden tiller to blend the compost and soil evenly.

Plant Mexican heather in full sun to partial shade in soil that drains well. Make sure you space individual plants at least 18 inches apart, as Mexican heather tends to branch out as it takes off.

Layer 1 inch of mulch over the surface of freshly planted Mexican heather to promote soil drainage and deter weed growth.

Water newly planted Mexican heather lightly every five days after you first plant. Use warm water to promote humidity and growth. This will keep the soil moist without overwatering it. Reduce frequency of watering to every seven to 10 days once plants begin to take off.

Fertilize in the spring after planting with a water-soluble, lime-free fertilizer. Because every fertilizer product is different, be sure to follow the exact directions on the fertilizer you purchase. Fertilize again at the end of the growing season so the plants continue to draw nutrients from the soil during colder months.

Deadhead spent flower blooms on Mexican heather to promote continual growth and new flowers throughout the growing season. Deadheading is pinching back the dead flowers at the base so they don't waste nutrients the growing plant requires to continue growing.

Prune Mexican heather to keep the its appearance neat and keep it from overgrowing parts of your garden where you don't want it to grow. You can also prune it back to the ground to promote healthy, new growth.