Bacopa

Chaenostoma cordatum is native to the coastal regions of South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

• Indigenous to subtropical and warm-temperate coastal areas of southeastern South Africa
• Naturally occurs in sandy, well-drained soils in open grasslands and coastal scrub
• Has been widely introduced and naturalized in many warm regions around the world, including parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the southern United States
• First described scientifically in the 19th century and has been in horticultural cultivation for over a century

Chaenostoma cordatum is a low, spreading, herbaceous perennial typically growing 5–15 cm tall but spreading 30–60 cm or more in diameter.

Stems:
• Slender, trailing to semi-prostrate, branching freely at the base
• Stems are green to purplish-green, slightly fleshy, and root at the nodes upon contact with moist soil
• Covered with fine, soft hairs (pubescent)

Leaves:
• Opposite, simple, broadly ovate to cordate (heart-shaped), ~1–2.5 cm long and ~1–2 cm wide
• Margins are crenate (with rounded teeth)
• Bright green, slightly fleshy texture with fine pubescence on both surfaces
• Leaves are aromatic when crushed

Flowers:
• Solitary, borne on short pedicels in leaf axils
• Five-petaled, rotate (wheel-shaped) corolla, ~1–2 cm in diameter
• Typically white, though cultivars produce pale pink, lavender, or blue-violet blooms
• Yellow or greenish throat at the center
• Blooms profusely from late spring through autumn (in temperate climates, often from May to October)
• Flowers open in sunlight and may close on overcast days or at night

Fruit & Seeds:
• Small capsule containing numerous minute seeds
• Seeds are dust-like, facilitating wind dispersal

In its native South African habitat, Chaenostoma cordatum occupies open, sunny coastal environments with well-drained sandy soils.

• Thrives in full sun to light shade; flowering is most prolific in full sun
• Adapted to subtropical and warm-temperate climates; tolerates mild frost but is generally grown as an annual in regions with hard freezes
• Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
• In cultivation, it performs best in humid, warm conditions with consistent moisture
• Can naturalize in frost-free climates, spreading via stem rooting at nodes

Chaenostoma cordatum is one of the most popular warm-season bedding and container plants worldwide, valued for its continuous flowering and ease of care.

Light:
• Full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal flowering
• Tolerates light partial shade but flowering will be reduced

Soil:
• Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Adaptable to a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay-loam, provided drainage is adequate
• Ideal pH range: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Watering:
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Drought-tolerant once established, but performs best with regular watering
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce risk of fungal diseases

Temperature:
• Optimal growing range: 18–30°C
• Sensitive to frost; damaged or killed by temperatures below -2°C
• In temperate zones, typically grown as a summer annual or overwintered indoors

Fertilization:
• Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season
• Slow-release granular fertilizer can be incorporated at planting time

Pruning & Maintenance:
• Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowering
• Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
• Can be trimmed back mid-season if plants become leggy

Propagation:
• Stem cuttings root readily in moist soil or water (most common method)
• Seeds can be sown indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date
• Stem cuttings typically root within 1–2 weeks under warm, humid conditions

Common Problems:
• Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
• Aphids and whiteflies may occasionally infest plants
• Leggy growth due to insufficient light
• Reduced flowering in cool, overcast conditions