Complete Advice for Growing Bacopa
Planting, Ongoing Care, Pest & Diseases and FAQ
Bacopa is a versatile and beautiful trailing plant that is perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and garden borders. With its delicate flowers and lush foliage, Bacopa adds a soft, cascading effect to any garden setting.
Bacopa plants are available in a variety of colours, including white, pink, lavender, and blue. Their compact, trailing growth makes them ideal for creating a full, cascading look in containers and baskets. Here's everything you need to know to grow and maintain healthy Bacopa plants in the UK.
Planting Bacopa
Where to Plant bacopa?
Bacopa is a popular choice for containers and hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit. It works beautifully as a "spiller" plant, cascading over the edges to create a full, lush display. Combine Bacopa with other sun-loving plants such as petunias, geraniums, or lobelias for a vibrant mix. In garden beds or borders, Bacopa makes an excellent ground cover. Its spreading growth habit allows it to fill gaps between other plants, creating a seamless and textured look. Plant it near the front of borders to let its delicate flowers and foliage shine. If you have a pond or water feature, Bacopa can be an attractive addition nearby. It appreciates the slightly higher humidity often found in these areas, though it still requires well-draining soil.
Bacopa thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily to encourage blooming. While it can tolerate some shade, too much may result in reduced flower production.
When to Plant Bacopa?
Bacopa is a tender plant that does not tolerate frost, so it’s best to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting it outdoors. In most parts of the UK, this is typically in late spring, around mid to late May. Bacopa thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. Planting too early, when temperatures are still low, can stunt its growth or damage the plant. If you’re eager to start earlier, Bacopa can be kept indoors or in a greenhouse until conditions improve. By timing your planting carefully, you’ll give Bacopa the best chance to thrive and produce its characteristic blooms throughout the growing season.
How to Plant Bacopa in Hanging Baskets or Containers
Bacopa is an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers, where its trailing growth habit creates a cascading effect. Opt for baskets that are at least 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter to provide enough space for Bacopa’s spreading growth. Make sure you use Use containers with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Always use a high-quality, multi-purpose compost, peat-free or a mix specifically designed for hangin baskets or containers. you can add perlite or sand to improve drainage, as Bacopa doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil. For best results make sure you mix in a slow-release fertiliser to provide nutrients over time.
Planting in the Ground
Bacopa, with its trailing growth and abundant small flowers, is not just for containers and hanging baskets. It can also thrive in the ground, where it serves as an excellent ground cover or border plant. When planted in the ground, Bacopa spreads out to create a carpet of foliage and flowers, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings. Its trailing growth habit can spill over walls, rocks, or paving stones, softening hardscaped areas and adding a natural touch. To plant dig a hole that are large enough to accommodate the Bacopa root ball, make sure that the soil is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Space plants 15–20 cm apart to allow room for spreading.
Ongoing Care for Bacopa
Watering Bacopa
Bacopa plants need consistent moisture but dislike waterlogged conditions. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, and water baskets and containers regularly in summer. Early morning watering is best to avoid fungal issues.
Feeding Bacopa
Feed Bacopa every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage continuous blooms. Try our Empathy After Plant All Purpose Liquid Seaweed Feed and Stimulant. A ready to use ready-to-use concentrate contains sustainably sourced seaweed and is formulated to enhance the growth of both indoor and outdoor plants.
Deadheading Bacopa
One of Bacopa's most appealing features is its self-cleaning nature. The plants naturally drop their spent flowers, meaning deadheading is not necessary.
Pruning Bacopa
If your Bacopa plants become leggy or overgrown, pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth. This is especially useful for maintaining a tidy appearance in baskets and containers.
Pests and Diseases
Tips to Help
Keeping Bacopa plants healthy and thriving involves being vigilant against pests and diseases. While Bacopa is generally low maintenance, it can occasionally face challenges like aphids, powdery mildew, or root rot. With a few simple tips, you can prevent and manage these issues effectively, ensuring your plants remain vibrant and full of blooms throughout the growing season. Here are some essential tips to help protect your Bacopa from common pests and diseases.
Common Pests that eat Bacopa
Do Slugs and Snails eat Bacopa?
Slugs and snails are not particularly attracted to Bacopa compared to other plants, but they may still occasionally nibble on the foliage, especially if the plants are young or if there are few other food sources available. Their preference typically depends on the surrounding environment and the availability of other more appealing plants.
If you notice damage from slugs or snails on your Bacopa, here are a few tips to protect your plants:
Create Barriers: Use crushed eggshells, sand, or copper tape around the base of the plants to deter slugs and snails.
Use Natural Predators: Encourage wildlife like birds or hedgehogs, which feed on slugs and snails.
Do Rodents eat Bacopa?
Rodents, such as mice and rats, do not typically eat Bacopa plants, as they generally prefer seeds, nuts, fruits, and grains over ornamental plants. However, in rare cases, rodents might nibble on Bacopa if food sources are scarce or if the plant is in close proximity to their nesting areas.
Common Pests that can infest Bacopa Plants
While Bacopa is relatively resilient, it can occasionally be affected by a few common garden pests. Pests like Aphis, Whiteflies and Spidermites can be some of the most common. regular inspection of your plants will help catch any issues early on. Encouraging natural preditors like ladybirds etc.... or using sticky traps or spraying with a mix of water and insecticidal soap, will help keep these pests at bay.
Common Diseases that can affect Bacopa
Bacopa plants are relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to a few common diseases, particularly when grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Understanding these diseases and how to prevent or manage them will help you keep your Bacopa healthy and thriving.
Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. It thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation. you will find white, powdery patches on leaves, stems, or flowers, leaves may become distorted or yellow and drop prematurely. To prevent this ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoiding overcrowding.
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. Apply a fungicide at the first sign of infection and remove and dispose of affected leaves to prevent the spread.
Root Rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, leading to the decay of the plant's roots. Symptoms of root rot are yellowing or wilting leaves despite adequate watering. They also might appear to have stunted growth and a foul smell coming from the soil. Roots appear brown, mushy, or slimy. to prevent is plant Bacopa in well-draining soil or containers with drainage holes. Avoid overwatering; keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If root rot occurs, remove the plant, trim away affected roots, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Bacopa is a versatile and resilient plant that brings charm and beauty to any garden setting. With its delicate, cascading flowers and lush green foliage, it’s a favorite for hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover in beds and borders. While Bacopa is relatively low-maintenance, providing the right care—such as proper watering, feeding, and regular inspection for pests and diseases—will ensure it thrives throughout the growing season.