Sutera, Genus,
- Genus
bacopa
South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape; rocky moist streamside habitats
Overview
Sutera cordata is bacopa (trailing bacopa), a trailing tender annual growing 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. Small 5-petaled white, pink, or lavender flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) along trailing stems from May through October (20 weeks of continuous bloom). Medium to dark green small heart-shaped (cordate) leaves with scalloped margins. In Scrophulariaceae. Reclassified as Chaenostoma cordatum by some authorities. The common name 'bacopa' is also a misnomer — true Bacopa is a separate aquatic genus. Native to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape) on rocky moist streamside habitats. The primary cultural challenge is that bacopa hates drying out — even one severe wilting episode causes the plant to drop flowers and stop blooming, sometimes permanently. Consistent moisture is essential. Self-cleaning — no deadheading needed. Tender — annual in zones colder than 9. Non-toxic. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere). Part sun to full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. Found in rocky moist streamside habitats.Suggested Uses
Grown as a trailing accent in mixed containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes (often paired with petunias and other annuals), in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L), spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Self-cleaning. Hates drying out. Non-toxic. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pale pink, or lavender depending on cultivar; small 5-petaled, 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across; held singly along the stems; May-October — continuous bloom in cool conditionsFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, small round to heart-shaped (cordate — the source of the species epithet) with scalloped margins, 0.5-0.75 inch (13-19 mm); densely arranged on trailing stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun (4-10 hours). Loam or sand pH 5.5-7.0. Hates drying out — consistent moisture essential (one severe wilt may stop blooming permanently). Self-cleaning. Tender — annual in cold climates. Non-toxic. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere).Pruning
Trim back leggy stems by one-third in midsummer (July-August) if the plant becomes sparse or stops blooming heavily. No deadheading needed (self-cleaning).Pruning Schedule
Prune: July–August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not suitable for direct sowing
Days to Maturity
60–75 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches
