Bacopa
Uses:
- Mixed Containers
- Hanging Baskets
- Groundcovers
Features:
- Fast Growing
- Flowers From Spring to Fall
- Re-Blooming
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
- East, West or South Sides of Homes
Bacopa is beautiful for ground cover but is mostly used as a spiller in containers where its bloom covered stems cascade over the sides of the pot.
Why Buy Bacopa Online
Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is an annual plant that blooms from spring to fall. Originating from the rainier parts of South Africa, Bacopa is not in the genus Bacopa at all, but in the genus Sutera. Commonly referred to as Sutera, it has small, white, blue, or pink five-petaled flowers, and green foliage. Usually purchased in containers, Bacopa flowers can be grown from seeds. Bacopa is a great plant choice because it is easy to care for, self-cleaning, disease resistant, and combines well with other plants.
The Best Way To Use Bacopa
Whether you use Bacopa as a sprawling ground cover or as a trailing accent in a container or hanging basket, this plant works well with many other plants. This easy-to-care for flower grows hardy in zones 9-11. Preferring rich, good draining soil and sun to partial shade, Bacopa can grow 3 to 12 inches tall, 10 to 36 inches wide, and cascade up to 4 feet long. With blooms from spring to frost, butterflies hovering around are an added bonus.
Groundcover
Container spiller
Available with blue, pink & white flowers
Typically 4 to 8 inches tall
Winter hardy in zones 9 to 11
About Bacopa
Genus
Species
Family
Bacopa
Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa caroliniana
Plantaginaceae
Common Names:
Water Hyssop, Indian Pennywort, Herb of Grace.
Native To:
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of India, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
8 - 11
Flower Color:
Typically white, but some species may have light blue, lavender, or pink flowers.
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to early fall
Growth Habit:
Trailing or creeping habit.
Attracts:
Pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Tolerates:
Moist to wet soil conditions.
Resists:
Drought (to some extent) in mature plants.
How To Use Bacopa In The Garden
Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is prized for its dense cascade of petite flowers from late spring until autumn. Green, slightly serrated leaves anchor the plant’s calm presence in mixed beds or containers. This annual grows quickly and has a forgiving nature as long as it receives adequate moisture. Reliable blooms and minimal upkeep make this plant a top pick for brightening outdoor living spaces.
For landscape projects, place Bacopa as a ground-hugging accent among low shrubs or edging pathways with consistent moisture. In hanging baskets and window boxes, it serves as a graceful spiller that pairs well with taller annuals. Combine Bacopa’s pastel hues with bolder foliage for a striking tapestry of shapes and colors. Even in partial sun, this trailing beauty maintains its cheerful display through the warmer months.
Bacopa Care
Plant Bacopa in late spring, selecting a site with full sun and some afternoon shade. Space garden plantings 10-12 inches apart, and position container plants closer together. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to ensure it is rich and well-drained. After planting, water thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture, as Bacopa requires regular watering for continuous blooming. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for garden plants and every 1-2 weeks for container specimens.
Bacopa plants are self-cleaning, so deadheading is not required. However, occasional trimming of 5-6 inches promotes new growth and maintains plant health. In regions outside USDA zones 9-11, Bacopa is typically grown as an annual, as it will not survive frost. For container-grown Bacopa, use large pots with drainage holes and high-quality, well-draining potting soil. Water containers regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the plant from drying out and ceasing to bloom.
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