How to Grow a Bacopa Plant

18.07.2024 - 16:25 / gardenersworld.com

Bacopa is a trailing perennial that is perfect for hanging baskets, containers and providing ground cover at the front of borders. Originally from South Africa, it is grown as an annual in the UK, because it isn’t frost hardy and won’t survive temperatures below 5ºC. It produces a mass of tiny flowers over a long period, from June through to October, in either white, pink or blue.

The Latin name for bacopa is Chaenostoma cordata, formerly known as Sutera cordata, which can make it confusing searching for plants to buy online. When buying bacopa, it’s also worth bearing in mind that there is another plant genus called Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, and this plant family is comprised of many aquatic plants.

Bacopa, the annual trailing plant, is a great pick for container displays because it will keep flowering without the need for deadheading and, unlike many bedding plants, is a good plant for pollinators. It also grows well in partial shade.

Grow bacopa in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil or a container of good quality, peat-free compost. Water regularly throughout summer.

Bacopa is the perfect plant for hanging baskets due to its trailing stems. These can grow up to 65cm long, softening the edges of baskets and containers. Its spreading habit also makes it a useful ground cover plant at the front of borders.

If growing bacopa from plug plants, pot on and grow indoors until all danger of frosts has passed. Before planting outside for the summer, harden plants off gradually by placing pots outdoors during the day for 7-10 days, bringing them in at night. Once they are ready to plant out, choose a spot with well-drained soil in your border or