The snowflake flower presents itself on the summery balcony as if its blossoms had fallen from the sky in flakes. Its gracefully hanging tendrils, covered with starry blossoms, stage a picturesque appearance in the traffic light and in the hanging basket and flower box. In order for the South African flower beauty to develop in all its splendour, it depends on professional care. The following answers to frequently asked questions show you how to do it right.

With its delicate, white flowers, the snowflake flower lives up to its name

Plant snowflakes properly

So that the snowflake flower can start its blossom festival on time in May, plant the flower in the balcony container provided from mid-April. Before you fill in the potting soil, shards of clay above the water drain ensure that no waterlogging can occur. Place the young Bacopa just as deep in the ground as before in the nursery pot and water with soft water. The exotic grace lingers on the sunny balcony during the day until mid-May and spends the nights indoors. This hardening benefits the vitality and abundance of flowers.

care tips

The grateful snowflake flower is satisfied with the following care program:

  • Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist with soft water
  • Ideally, let the water run to the roots through a funnel
  • Fertilize liquid every 14 days from May to September
  • Cleaning is not necessary

Don't worry when the summer bloom show comes to an end in autumn. Although a Bacopa is not hardy, it still has the vigor for several years of cultivation. Prune the flower vigorously and carry it to a bright, frost-free winter quarters. At temperatures of 5-8 degrees Celsius, water now and then without giving fertilizer.

Which location is suitable?

The snowflake flower feels at home in a sunny to partially shaded, warm location. Of course, the exotic flower does not like the blazing midday sun. Therefore, keep an eye out for a sheltered spot on the west or east side of the house. Incidentally, a summer rain shower does not affect the weather-resistant Bacopa, as is the case with other sensitive balcony plants.
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The right planting distance

A young Sutera cordata does not immediately show the opulent volume the plant is developing. With a planting distance of 20 cm, you give a snowflake flower enough space to unfold in all its bloom in the flower box (€16.99) or large tub.

What soil does the plant need?

The uncomplicated character of a snowflake flower is expressed not least in terms of substrate. Use commercially available compost-based potting soil with as little peat as possible. So that the summer flower does not get into trouble due to waterlogging, add a handful of lava granules (€13.99) or perlite (€37.51) breathing flakes.

When is flowering time?

With a flowering period from May to October, the snowflake trumps the vast majority of summer perennials. If it is given a balanced water and nutrient balance during this time, no further measures need to be taken. A bacopa rids itself of withered flowers, so you can save yourself the hassle of cleaning up.

Properly cut snowflakes

The less a snowflake flower is bothered with, the more impressive its blooms become. Therefore, only cut back the long shoots if it is absolutely necessary. Shorten the plant vigorously just before putting it into winter quarters.

water snowflakes

The professional regulation of the water balance largely determines the successful course of cultivation. How to water the snowflake flower correctly:

  • Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist without causing waterlogging
  • When the earth dries up, the flower dies
  • Water only when the surface has dried 1 cm deep
  • Water preferably with lime-free water

The sunnier the location, the greater the need for watering. During hot summer days it may be necessary to water early in the morning and again in the evening. Use a funnel to get the water through the dense flowering shoots to the roots.

Fertilize snowflakes properly

In terms of nutrient requirements, the snowflake flower is undemanding. If you administer a liquid fertilizer every 14 days from May to September, this point is fully covered in the care program.

pests

Aphids have no qualms about pouncing on a snowflake flower. Therefore, check the undersides of the leaves regularly to see whether the pests have settled here. At the first signs of an infestation, go after the beasts with the classic soft soap solution. To do this, mix 1 liter of lime-free water with 15 milliliters of soft soap and a few dashes of spirit. Spray the infested bacopa every 2-3 days until the infestation subsides.

hibernate

In its South African homeland, the snowflake flower thrives perennial. The only obstacle to accomplishing this feat in our regions are the frosty winter temperatures. So that the Bacopa will beautify your balcony again next summer, overwinter the flower like this:

  • In autumn temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, cut back the plant vigorously
  • Place in a bright winter quarters with temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius
  • Water less and don't fertilize

In spring, transplant your floral winter guest into fresh substrate. As soon as there is no longer any fear of ground frost and the mercury column exceeds the 10-degree mark, the Sutera cordata moves to the balcony.

Propagating snowflakes

Take 5-8 cm long non-flowering head cuttings in July or August. Remove the lower leaves and place two-thirds of the shoots in a pot with lean substrate. Moisten the soil regularly with soft water at room temperature. A transparent hood creates a warm, humid microclimate around the cuttings, which promotes rooting. If new leaves sprout, the process is going according to plan and the cover can be removed. Throughout the winter place your pets in a bright window seat at a cool 5-8 degrees Celsius.

Is snowflake flower poisonous?

Nothing is known about an intolerance to snowflake flowers. You can therefore settle the pretty summer flower in the family household without hesitation. Intentional or unintentional consumption of flowers and leaves does not result in any harmful consequences for humans or animals.

Beautiful varieties

  • Big Baja: A profuse flowering snowflake flower with tendrils up to 120 cm long, studded with white starry flowers
  • Scopia Double: The premium variety is impressively staged with lavishly filled, light blue flowers
  • Pink Beauty: A rarity among snowflake flowers, it features light pink petals adorned with a dark pink throat
  • Big Pearl Falls: This Sutera cordata adorns the hanging basket with a waterfall of pink starry flowers
  • Scopia Violet: The purple flowers contrast beautifully with the white and pink Bacopa varieties

Category:

Herbs