Sutera or Bacopa

Family Scrophulariaceae. Perennial native to South Africa, also grows on the Canary Islands.

A small, very ornamental plant with drooping shoots strewn with small snow-white flowers that do not lose their decorative appeal during prolonged rains. Remarkable qualities of the plant are its prolonged flowering and its ability to self-clean by shedding faded flowers. There are cultivars with larger flowers, for example, 'Сноуфлейк' ('Snowflake') - see photo, 'Кабана' ('Cabana').

Thrives in sunny locations; in shade it flowers poorly. Requires regular watering, as it does not tolerate soil drying out. The soil intended for planting bacopa should be mildly acidic; alkaline soils are not suitable. Tolerates frosts down to minus 5° C. Easily propagated by cuttings. Used as a potted ampelous (trailing) plant; it is also planted beneath standard-stemmed forms of plants.