Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is a popular flowering plant known for its delicate blooms and trailing growth habit. Gardeners frequently use it in hanging baskets, container arrangements, and as a ground cover, where its abundant flowers create a soft, cascading effect. It is a favorite for adding continuous color to various garden settings. A common question among gardeners is whether this plant is an annual or a perennial.
Bacopa’s Classification
Bacopa is botanically classified as a tender perennial. This means it can live for more than two years, but its survival depends on favorable environmental conditions. In many temperate regions, it is most commonly cultivated as an annual plant due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures. Its behavior as an annual or perennial largely depends on the specific growing climate. This South African native naturally thrives in warmer environments where it can persist year-round. However, outside its native subtropical range, gardeners typically replant it each spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Climate and Bacopa Hardiness
Bacopa is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, and some parts of Zone 8, where it can reliably grow as a perennial. In these warm zones, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, allowing the plant to survive and bloom throughout the year. Frost and freezing temperatures cause Bacopa to die back, preventing its perennial growth in colder climates. Temperatures below 40-50°F (4-10°C) can cause Bacopa to stop flowering or decline, and it will not survive a hard frost. Even in warmer zones, extreme summer heat, especially above 80°F (27°C), can sometimes cause the plant to temporarily reduce its blooming, though it often recovers as temperatures moderate.
General Bacopa Care
Bacopa thrives in full sun to partial shade, with flowering most prolific in full sun. In full sun, consistent watering is important to prevent the soil from drying out. In extremely hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help prevent decline. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allowing the soil to dry out, even for a day or two, can cause the plant to stop blooming, and it may take several weeks for flowers to reappear.
For continuous blooms, a regular feeding schedule is important, especially for container-grown plants. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, every one to two weeks for containers or every two to three weeks for in-ground plants to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Extending Bacopa’s Lifespan
For gardeners in colder zones who wish to preserve their Bacopa plants beyond a single season, overwintering indoors is a common practice. Bring potted Bacopa inside before the first frost arrives. Place the plant in a sunny window or under grow lights for necessary light. During indoor overwintering, reduce watering frequency, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. Another method to extend the plant’s presence is by taking stem cuttings. These root easily and can be grown into new plants for the following season. Cuttings taken in early spring or late summer can be rooted in water or a damp potting mix.