©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
Bacopa caroliniana
Plant Common Name
Blue Water Hyssop, Lemon Bacopa
General Description
This low-growing, spreading aquatic perennial is a water weed found along brackish water edges and wet sands of the southeastern United States from Maryland down to Florida and across to Texas. Its small, succulent, lemon scented leaves create a mat of foliage that becomes dotted with small, violet blue flowers. It creates attractive cover for waterway margins and is commonly half submerged making it an ideal aquarium or pondside plant.
The small leaves of lemon hyssop are oval, lustrous, fleshy and yield a lemon scent when crushed. From spring to fall, lots of small, single flowers are produced along the upright or spreading, partially submerged stems. These are bell-shaped and violet blue. Butterflies pollinate the flowers and the resulting fruits are small and inconspicuous.
Grow water hyssop in full to partial sun and provide it consistently moist soil that's not stagnant. This is a salt tolerant plant that can be planted near the Oceanside. Container grown specimens can be grown in potting medium cut with sand and gravel that's kept consistently moist or wet. It is ideal for wet, natural landscapes or aquarium tanks.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Plant Type
Aquatics
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
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Width
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Southeastern United States, South-Central United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Poorly Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Ample Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Blue, Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
