Overview
Saponaria officinalis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Saponaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Saponaria officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Saponaria officinalis is a common perennial plant from the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant has many common names, including common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, and soapweed. There are about 20 species of soapworts altogether. The scientific name Saponaria is derived from the Latin sapo (stem sapon-) meaning "soap", which, like its common name, refers to its utility in cleaning. In the wild it grows across North America, Albania, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States and other regions. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and west-facing, south-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saponaria officinalis
About the genus
Saponaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is usually characterized by pink or white flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Saponaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Saponaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Saponaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Saponaria officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Saponaria officinalis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Saponaria officinalis?
Saponaria officinalis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Saponaria officinalis need?
Saponaria officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Saponaria officinalis grow?
Saponaria officinalis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Saponaria officinalis hardy in the UK?
Saponaria officinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Saponaria officinalis?
Seed, Division.