Bacopa
Also known as
Snowflake bacopa, Sutera, Cape bacopa, Trailing bacopa
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Chaenostoma cordatum (syn. Sutera cordata), widely sold as ornamental bacopa, is a trailing, mat-forming perennial prized for clouds of small, five-petaled flowers that smother the plant from spring through cool weather. Native to South Africa’s Cape regions, it bears rounded, serrated leaves on slender stems that spill 30–60 cm, making it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and as a flowering groundcover or edging. Most cultivars bloom white, but pink, lavender, and bi-color selections exist. Flowering is best in cool, bright conditions and may pause during extreme heat. Plants prefer consistently moist, well-drained, organically enriched soils and regular light feeding. Self-cleaning blooms reduce deadheading needs, though periodic shearing renews vigor. Often grown as a warm-season annual outside frost-free zones, it can be overwintered indoors with bright light and reduced watering. Not to be confused with the aquatic herb Bacopa monnieri (water hyssop).
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Bacopa
Water
Keep soil evenly moist—never bone dry and never waterlogged. In containers, water when the top 1–2 cm feels dry; in hot, windy weather this may be daily. Use a free‑draining mix (peat/coir plus perlite) and containers with ample drainage. Mulch in beds to moderate moisture swings. Drought stress quickly halts flowering and causes leaf drop; conversely, poor drainage invites root rot. Reduce watering in cool, low‑light overwintering conditions.
Light
Provide full sun to bright partial shade. Aim for 4–6+ hours of direct morning sun with dappled or bright shade later, especially in hot-summer regions. In cool, maritime climates, full sun maximizes bloom. Insufficient light leads to lank growth and sparse flowers; extreme midday heat can stall blooming. Position baskets and boxes where light is bright but roots stay cool and evenly moist.
Nutrients
Feed lightly but regularly. Use a balanced or bloom-leaning, water‑soluble fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 10–14 days during active growth. Excess nitrogen can promote foliage at the expense of flowers, so avoid heavy feeding. Incorporate slow‑release prills in containers for even nutrition, and supplement with liquid feed in peak bloom. If leaves yellow in high pH media, apply chelated iron. Flush pots monthly to prevent salt buildup.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are cool to mild: 15–24°C by day and 10–15°C at night. Flowering often slows above ~30°C and plants may need afternoon shade and extra moisture in heat. Frost is damaging; treat as a tender perennial in USDA 9–11 or as an annual elsewhere. Overwinter indoors bright and cool (10–13°C) with lighter watering. Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
