Bacopa Growth and Care Guide
Bacopa is a versatile flowering plant loved for its trailing habit and clouds of delicate blooms that spill beautifully from containers, baskets, and garden beds. Known for its resilience in heat and steady flowering all season long, it brings softness and movement to any planting. In this Plant Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to grow, maintain, and get the best performance from Bacopa in your garden. From ideal sunlight, watering routines, troubleshooting common issues, covering the best varieties, and using it in the garden, this guide gives you the confidence to cultivate Bacopa like a pro.
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By: Reggie Meehan (11/24/2025) - Last Updated (2/5/2026)
Introduction to Bacopa
Bacopa is a plant that looks delicate but turns out to be far tougher than it appears. It's a trailing annual that shines in containers, hanging baskets, and along edges where its fine foliage and small flowers can spill naturally. Bacopa adds softness without disappearing—it fills space gently, knitting plantings together instead of competing for attention. The blooms are small but steady, appearing in shades of white, pink, lavender, or blue and hovering just above the foliage like they’re suspended in place. It brings a quiet elegance that works in almost any setting.
What really won me over years ago was how dependable Bacopa is through heat. Even during the toughest parts of Summer, when other trailing plants start to thin or shut down, Bacopa just keeps going. The flowers may be small, but they show up consistently, and that matters more than flash in a long-season container. I’ve used it as a spiller, a soft groundcover at the edge of beds, and as a unifying plant in mixed pots where it helps everything feel finished. It’s easy to care for, easy to design with, and once you grow it a few times, it’s hard not to keep using it.
Characteristics of Bacopa (Water Hyssop)
Bacopa is a plant I’ve come to appreciate more and more over the years because it’s so adaptable. It loves consistent moisture, so it’s a natural fit for damp garden areas where other plants tend to struggle. At the same time, those small white, pink, or blue flowers and bright green foliage make it a beautiful choice for hanging baskets and containers, where it adds a soft, finished look.
Size and Growth Habit
Bacopa is relatively low-growing, usually getting between 6-10 inches tall, but it makes up for that with long, trailing stems that do most of the visual work. In containers and baskets, those stems spill gracefully over the edges, creating a gentle cascade that never feels heavy or overgrown. The creeping habit is part of what makes Bacopa so versatile—it adapts its growth to the space it’s given.
Bacopa fills in quickly, softening bare spots and tying plantings together without becoming aggressive. The growth is fast, but it’s easy to manage, and the plant stays cooperative rather than taking over. Whether it’s spilling from a pot, shining in a basket, or creeping along the ground, Bacopa finds its place and settles in.
Leaves and Flowers
Bacopa’s leaves are small, oval-shaped, and bright green, with a slightly fleshy texture that reflects its semi-aquatic origins. In aquariums, these leaves create a vibrant, natural backdrop for fish and other aquatic life, while in gardens, they form a dense mat of greenery that complements surrounding plants. Some varieties, such as Bacopa caroliniana, emit a faint lemony scent when the leaves are crushed, adding another sensory dimension to the plant's charm.
The flowers are delicate and dainty, blooming in soft hues of white, pink, blue, or purple. These blooms are evenly spaced along the stems, creating an elegant, understated display that enhances its trailing habit. Flowering occurs prolifically during the growing season, often continuing throughout spring, summer, and early fall, depending on the climate. The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the gentle tones of the flowers makes Bacopa a favorite for ornamental purposes in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Is Bacopa Annual or Perennial?
Bacopa is typically grown as annual, as it can not tolerate sub-freezing temperatures. It can be a tender perennial plant in frost-free climates like USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. Gardeners in colder zones can overwinter the plants indoors or replant fresh specimens each Spring.
Best Varieties of Bacopa
After growing and working with many different varieties of Bacopa, testing them in containers, baskets, and garden settings over the years... these varieties have consistently stood out for their performance, reliability, and overall appearance.
Scopia® Series
Prized for its compact, tidy growth habit and excellent branching, the Scopia® Gulliver Series allows plants to fill containers evenly without becoming leggy. Flower production is steady and abundant, creating a clean, polished look that works especially well in smaller pots, window boxes, and mixed plantings. We carry the Scopia® varieties in Gulliver Blue, Gulliver Pink, and Gulliver White colors.
MegaCopa™Series
The MegaCopa™ Series takes Bacopa up a notch with noticeably larger flowers and a more vigorous, full-bodied habit. These varieties make a stronger visual statement, holding their own alongside bolder companion plants. We carry the following:
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MegaCopa™ Blue – Cool blue-lavender flowers
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MegaCopa™ Pink – Oversized soft pink blooms
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MegaCopa™ White – Crisp pure white blooms
How to Grow and Care for Bacopa
Bacopa is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that thrives in both moist soil and aquatic environments. With its delicate blooms and lush foliage, it adds charm to aquariums, hanging baskets, and garden beds. To grow Bacopa successfully, follow these care tips to ensure healthy growth and vibrant displays.
Planting Bacopa
Plant Bacopa in Spring once the risk of frost has passed, and don’t rush it earlier than that. It cannot tolerate sub-freezing temperatures, and likes warm soil and settles in faster when conditions are right. In containers and hanging baskets, I use a well-draining potting mix and space plants far enough apart that they can fill in naturally without crowding each other. Bacopa spreads and trails on its own—you don’t need to pack it in. After planting, a deep watering helps the roots get established quickly.
Sunlight Requirements
Bacopa prefers full sun, with 6–8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. In hotter climates (Zone 9-11), picking a spot with some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch and help the plant retain moisture. In low-light settings, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers, so providing the right amount of light is essential for its overall health.
Soil Requirements
Bacopa grows best in moist, well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for garden beds and containers. It also adapts well to aquatic environments, where it can root in a variety of substrates, including gravel, sand, or nutrient-rich aquatic soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0–7.5 is ideal for Bacopa, whether grown in soil or submerged in water. Ensuring proper drainage in soil-based settings is key to preventing waterlogging and root rot.
Watering Needs
Bacopa requires consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. In hanging baskets, monitor moisture levels closely, as these plants can wilt quickly if allowed to dry out. For aquariums, maintain proper filtration and water circulation to provide oxygen-rich water and prevent stagnant conditions. Regular watering and stable water quality are essential for Bacopa to thrive, regardless of the environment.
Fertilizer Needs
Bacopa benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season to support lush foliage and abundant blooms. For aquatic setups, use liquid fertilizers designed specifically for aquarium plants to ensure the right nutrients are available. Avoid over-fertilizing in both settings, as excess nutrients can encourage algae growth in aquariums or reduce flowering in soil-based environments.
Pruning & Maintenance
Regular pruning is essential for Bacopa to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back overgrown stems to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, especially in aquariums where overcrowding can block light and hinder growth. Deadheading spent flowers helps keep soil-based Bacopa tidy and promotes continuous blooming.
Overwintering
In frost-prone areas, Bacopa is often treated as an annual, as it cannot survive freezing temperatures. However, it can be overwintered indoors by transferring potted plants to a sunny windowsill or growing them as houseplants. In aquariums, Bacopa grows year-round under stable water conditions, making it a reliable option for indoor aquatic displays. For outdoor gardens, replanting in the spring ensures fresh growth for the new season.
Common Pests
Bacopa doesn’t attract many pest problems. Occasionally you might see aphids or spider mites, especially on stressed plants, but it’s uncommon. A healthy, well-watered plant usually avoids issues altogether.
Common Diseases
The most common problem I see is root rot, almost always caused by poor drainage or overwatering in heavy soil. As long as water can move through the soil and the plant isn’t sitting soggy, Bacopa stays healthy. Good airflow and proper watering solve most problems before they start.
Common Misconceptions
A common myth is that Bacopa can only grow in water, but it thrives equally well in moist soil, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. Another myth is that Bacopa is difficult to care for; in reality, it is one of the easiest plants for beginners due to its adaptability and low-maintenance requirements. Some also believe that Bacopa doesn’t flower, but its delicate blooms are one of its standout features, adding charm to any space it inhabits.
Using Bacopa in the Garden
I’ve used it in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds, and it always finds a way to fit in naturally. The trailing habit is what really makes it special, allowing it softens edges, fills gaps, and adds movement without taking over. Whether it’s spilling from a pot, creeping along moist ground, or even growing in water, Bacopa brings a mix of beauty and usefulness that’s hard to beat.
Aquariums and Water Gardens
Bacopa has long been a favorite in aquariums and water gardens, and it’s easy to see why. The bright green foliage creates a natural, calming look while also providing cover for fish and other aquatic life. It doesn’t demand perfect conditions, which makes it approachable even for beginners. In water gardens, it blends right in with other aquatic plants, adding texture and softness while quietly doing its job.
Hanging Baskets and Containers
Trailing Bacopa varieties are some of the easiest plants to rely on when you want containers and baskets to feel soft, full, and well-finished. The stems naturally cascade over the edges, taking the sharp lines out of pots and creating a sense of movement that feels effortless rather than forced.The flowers may be small, but they appear steadily along the stems, so color is consistent from planting time through the heat of summer instead of coming in short bursts.
Ground Cover
In damp or boggy garden areas, Bacopa serves as a reliable and attractive ground cover. Its dense, low-growing habit forms a lush carpet of greenery, effectively suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil in challenging conditions. This makes it particularly useful for moist garden beds, alongside ponds, or in rain gardens where other plants might struggle. The bright green foliage and dainty flowers create a visually appealing mat that brightens up shady or waterlogged spaces, bringing texture and life to underutilized areas.
Bacopa Delivers Blooms Without the Hassle
Looking to grow Bacopa in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer top-quality Bacopa plants, beloved for their non-stop, dainty blooms and graceful trailing habit. Ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and mixed plantings, Bacopa produces clouds of small flowers in white, pink, or lavender that bloom steadily from spring to frost. It thrives in full sun to part shade and adds soft texture and movement to any display. Low-maintenance and heat-tolerant once established, Bacopa is perfect as a filler plant or gentle groundcover in borders and garden beds. Add Bacopa to your landscape for long-lasting color, subtle charm, and effortless beauty.