James H. Schutte
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
Sutera
Plant Common Name
Bacopa
General Description
The genus Sutera encompasses about 140 species of woodland plants native to southern Africa. These may be annuals, perennials or shrubs.
The plants are extremely variable in habit and form. The leaves are arranged opposite to each other on the stems and may be whole or lobed with smooth, toothed or scalloped edges. The flowers are generally tubular with five spreading lobes. They appear singly or in loose clusters and can be pink, lavender-blue or white. Most flower from summer to autumn.
Only a few species are grown as ornamental plants and most sold are hybrids. Sutera in the Copia™ Series are vigorous, relatively large-flowered hybrids that trailing. They are tender perennials with yellow-throated flowers that bloom nearly continuously in sunny, mild conditions. Sutera cordata is a flat spreading evergreen to semi-evergreen tender perennial often planted as a bedding annual. It has small, heart-shaped leaves and small rounded flowers born in profusion all season.
Culture and hardiness is species or cultivar dependent. Generally, most Sutera prefer full to partial sun and require rich, evenly moist soil with average drainage. In more southerly climes they will survive as perennials. Many cultivated forms may be grown as groundcover or look beautiful cascading from decorative containers and hanging baskets.
Characteristics
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Native To
Southern Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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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
No
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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
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
