Sutera–commonly called bacopa–forms a cascade of small white or pale pink blooms and green leaves. It flowers all summer if lightly watered and fed well. Bacopa is a spreading perennial grown as an annual. It trails over the sides of containers and window boxes.
Bacopa is the common name for Sutera cordata which synonymous with Chaenostoma cordatum.
Get to Know Sutera — Bacopa
- Plant type: Subtropical perennial grown as an annual
- Growing Zones and range: 9-10; bacopa will grow as a perennial in Zones 9-11
- Hardiness: Tender
- Height and width: 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) tall; 10 to 14 inches (25-35cm) wide
- Flowers: Tiny, delicate white flowers
- Bloom time: Summer to frost
- Uses: Bedding, containers, hanging basket
- Common name: Bacopa, water hyssop
- Botanical name: Sutera cordata syn. Chaenostoma cordatum
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Origin: Africa
Where to Plant Sutera — Bacopa
- Grow bacopa in full sun or light shade, especially in Zones 7-11.
- Plant bacopa in humus-rich, well-drained soil.
When to Plant Sutera — Bacopa
- Set bacopa in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Planting and Spacing Sutera — Bacopa
- Space bacopa 10 to 14 inches (25-35cm) apart.
- Sow seed 1/8 inch deep in evenly prepared soil.
How to Water and Feed Sutera — Bacopa
- Bacopa needs ample moisture; keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let the soil dry out or leaves will wither quickly.
- Fertilizer bacopa every 4 to 5 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer or work slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
Sutera — Bacopa Care
- Mulch around bacopa to conserve soil moisture and to keep crowns from becoming to wet.
Sutera — Bacopa Pests and Diseases
- Sutera can suffer mold and crown rot in constantly moist soil.
- Sutera can be attacked by slugs and snails.
Sutera — Bacopa Propagation
- Sow seed in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Sutera — Bacopa Varieties to Grow
- Sutera cordata: pink- and lavender-flowered cultivars are available.
