Trailing Phlox Chaenostoma cordatum

Ornamental bacopa is a small, evergreen, prostrate, trailing, perennial groundcover, native to the South Cape Provinces. It is typically found in forests, forest margins, or shaded coastal areas of South Africa. The plant grows 3 to 6 inches tall and has a sprawling habit. The leaves are small, toothed, and the flowers are small, delicate, white, funnel-shaped, 5-petaled with a yellow tube. This plant is fast-growing, spreads quickly, and blooms during the summer and fall. it is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The genus name, Chaenostoma, means, "gaping mouth." The specific epithet, cordatum, refers to its somewhat heart-shaped leaves. The common name, bacopa, is somewhat confusing since there is another genus of plants called Bacopa, commonly known as water hyssop, that are primarily aquatic plants.

This plant is winter hardy in zones 9 to 11. In cooler climates, it is used as an annual. It thrives in bright, indirect light and in moist, well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.  Prefers a humid environment with moderate temperatures. Water containers regularly in hot weather, and feed them with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape. Propagated by seeds during the spring or stem cuttings that are best obtained in the spring or early summer. 

The leaves are dark green and broadly ovate to elliptical, slightly hairy, and have tiny, toothed margins. The corolla of the flower is short, funnel-shaped, and yellow to orange, and the white lobes spread out to form a 5-petalled, star-shaped flower. The fruit is a tiny capsule with amber colored seeds.

In North Carolina, it is best grown as an annual in hanging baskets or containers or as a ground cover along borders.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. May be susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and viruses.