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Sutera

bacopa

Scrophulariaceae

South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape; rocky moist streamside habitats

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

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 spp.. Reclassified as Chaenostoma cordatum by some authorities. The common name 'bacopa' is also a misnomer — true Bacopa spp. 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

Identified by a low trailing tender plant with small heart-shaped scalloped-margin leaves and tiny 5-petaled white, pink, or lavender flowers along the trailing stems. The trailing habit and the small heart-shaped leaves with scalloped margins are diagnostic for the ornamental bacopa. In Scrophulariaceae spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3" - 6"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Spring through fall (May-October). Small 5-petaled white, pink, or lavender flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm). 20 weeks of continuous bloom. Bee-visited. Self-cleaning.

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 conditions

Foliage 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 stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

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

summer

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting 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