Monday, February 7, 2011

Grow Bacopa Monnieri

The delicate white flowers and green foliage of the low growing Bacopa monnieri make this plant ideal for a variety of uses in the garden. Bacopa monnieri, commonly called water-hyssop, makes an excellent ground cover or an accent plant in damp areas. It is a water-loving plant that will grow well at the edge of ponds and other water features in the landscape. It also is well suited for use between paving stones in pathways that get light use. Bacopa monnieri is easy to grow, and with the proper care, this herbaceous perennial will survive year after year.


Instructions


1. Lay out the bacopa plants in the garden where you intend to plant them. Space individual plants about 6 inches apart to encourage a dense, lush ground cover. Select an area that is naturally damp in full sun or light shade.








2. Dig holes that are slightly wider and about as deep as the nursery pots your bacopa monnieri seedlings are in. Slide the seedlings out of the pot and place them in the holes. Fill in the soil around the root ball and press down on the area to firm up the soil.


3. Give the plants a good soaking immediately after planting. Soak each plant until the soil is saturated to the bottom of the planting holes. Water bacopa monnieri when the top 1-inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Soak the soil to a depth of 6 or 7 inches at each watering.


4. Spread a 1-inch thick layer of well-seasoned manure evenly over the planting area. Reapply the manure layer twice a year in the spring and fall to provide the plants with necessary nutrients. Bacopa monnieri is a light feeder and will not require additional fertilizer.

Tags: Bacopa monnieri, bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monnieri, ground cover