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The Bacopa plant is an attractive flowering groundcover. Its identification can be a bit confusing, as it shares a common name with a medicinal herb that is in fact a different plant altogether. Keep reading to learn more about this variety of Bacopa, and how to care for it.
Growing Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is simple, and it has many uses in the sunny to part shade garden. Bacopa plant info indicates that the small plant reaches no more than 6-12 inches (15-30 cm.) in maturity. The low-growing specimen spreads vigorously to cascade over a wall or quickly cover bare spots under taller plants. The happy Bacopa trailing annual is often covered with tiny flowers from June through October. Flowers are in shades of white, pink, lavender, blue, and even coral red. The cultivar Giant Snowflake has larger, white flowers and reaches just 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm.) in height and is one of the original varieties of Bacopa trailing annual. When growing Bacopa plants, experiment with different varieties of the hybrids. Cabana is a newer white-flowering form of the plant that is more compact. Olympic Gold also has white flowers with variegated leaves of gold and green that requires a more shaded spot. Bacopa plant info says white flowering varieties offer the most long-lasting bloom. Also, when shopping for Bacopa plants, look for the name Sutera on plant labels.
Bacopa, also known as Sutera cordata or water hyssop, is a lovely flowering plant that can make a beautiful addition to any garden. With its trailing stems covered in tiny flowers, bacopa works well in hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, and as an attractive groundcover
Though native to tropical regions, bacopa is quite cold hardy and can be grown as an annual in colder climates With proper care, these plants will reward you with months of delicate blooms Here are some key tips and tricks for successfully growing healthy bacopa.
Choosing the Right Location
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Bacopa thrives in full sun to partial shade. Try to provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Shelter bacopa from hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Afternoon shade helps prevent wilting.
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For containers, choose a spot with some afternoon shade. This helps reduce watering needs.
Providing the Right Soil
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Bacopa prefers moist, well-draining soil. Heavy clay can lead to root rot.
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Incorporate compost or peat moss when planting to improve drainage and moisture retention.
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Container plants should be grown in a quality potting mix. Make sure the pot has drainage holes.
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Ideal soil pH is 5.6-5.9. Test your soil and amend if needed.
Watering Wisely
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
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Drought stress causes buds and flowers to drop. Be sure to water containers daily in hot weather.
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Avoid overwatering, which leads to root rot and fungal diseases.
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In humid climates, water early in the day so leaves dry out by nightfall.
Feeding for Optimal Growth
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for vigorous growth.
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Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Overfertilization can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
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Yellowing leaves may indicate a need for more fertilizer.
Providing Ideal Temperatures
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Bacopa thrives in warm weather. Optimal temps are 75-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
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Growth slows below 50°F and plants stop flowering when it’s too hot (over 80°F).
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Move container plants to a sheltered spot if temperatures drop below freezing.
Pruning for a Neat Appearance
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No deadheading is required since bacopa is self-cleaning.
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Prune long trailing stems back lightly in midsummer to encourage bushier growth.
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Snip off any yellowing, wilted, or insect-damaged foliage promptly.
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Pinching the tips promotes fullness. Do this sparingly to avoid delaying blooms.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
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Dropping buds and flowers – Check for underwatering, overwatering, high temps, or low nutrients.
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Leggy growth – Plants need more sun or pinching back. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer.
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Yellow leaves – Check soil pH and increase fertilizer. May indicate overwatering.
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Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation and reduce water on leaves. Use neem oil.
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Aphids – Knock off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
Propagating for More Plants
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Take 3-4 inch cuttings from tip growth in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in potting mix.
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Division is also an easy option. Carefully separate rootball into smaller sections and replant.
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Take cuttings or divide plants every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
With its delicate charm and easygoing nature, bacopa is a delightful addition to gardens and container plantings. Follow these tips and tricks for bacopa care, and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of breezy, butterfly-attracting blooms.
How Do You Care for Bacopa?
Growing Bacopa plants is most easily done in containers. This allows for the consistent moisture necessary to avoid the interruption of flowering. Use Bacopa trailing annual as a filler plant in mixed containers and hanging baskets. Grow Bacopa trailing annual in a full sun to part shade location. Bacopa plant info on how to grow a Bacopa plant advises growing the plant where afternoon shade is available in the hottest areas. The tender annual is sometimes bothered by aphids, which can be dispersed with a strong blast of water from the sprayer. If aphids persist on new growth, treat them with a soapy spray or insecticidal soap. Neem oil is also beneficial. Now that youve learned the basics of how do you care for Bacopa and the many uses for the diminutive, spreading plant, add some to your garden this year.
Wave Petunias and Bacopa Care
FAQ
How can I make my bacopa grow faster?
How do you keep bacopa blooming?
Why does my bacopa keep dying?
How often should I water bacopa?
Does Bacopa need a lot of maintenance?
Bacopa is a low-maintenance flowering plant that will proliferate with many blooms in the right environment. Beyond regular watering and feeding, bacopa just needs a little regular maintenance to look its best. Bacopa plants thrive with some sun in the morning and more shade in the afternoon.
Will a Bacopa grow in a USDA zone?
A bacopa will grow well in most USDA growing zones, but the length of its season will vary depending on the region. One of the most important factors to keeping your bacopa looking healthy is to diligently water the bacopa plant throughout the summer. For bacopa, you’ll know they need water when the top inch of soil is dried out.
Is Bacopa a perennial?
Bacopa plant (Sutera cordata) is simple to grow and produces abundant blooms from spring until autumn. It’s a trailing plant, making it an excellent option for hanging planters, container gardens, and groundcover. Bacopa will usually grow to no more than 6-12 inches high. It can be grown as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
Can Bacopa grow in full sun?
Bacopa thrives in full sun or part shade. Excessive heat can cause it to stop blooming so some afternoon shade in areas with extremely hot temperatures keeps plants looking their best. When planted in full sun bacopa needs a consistent watering schedule. Fertile, moist but well-drained soil is the goal for successfully growing bacopa.