Bacopa (sutera) Chaenostoma cordatum
Bacopa (sutera) (Chaenostoma cordatum) is an annual flowering plant in the Scrophulariaceae family, native to South Africa. It grows 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Bacopa (sutera) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 7–10 weeks after planting, for 14–23 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Bacopa (sutera) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bacopa (sutera)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Bacopa (sutera)
- How far apart should I plant Bacopa (sutera)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Bacopa (sutera) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bacopa (sutera) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bacopa (sutera)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Bacopa (sutera) flower?
- About 7–10 weeks after planting, for 14–23 weeks.
- Is Bacopa (sutera) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Bacopa (sutera)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bacopa (sutera). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A trailing frill of small white (or lilac) flowers for baskets; sulks and drops flowers if it dries out once. Not the medicinal Bacopa monnieri.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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