About

A vigorous upright perennial to around 60cm high, with spreading rhizomes and narrowly ovate, rough green leaves. Clusters of slightly aromatic, double white flowers are borne at the tips of the stems from late summer well into autumn.

About the genus

Saponaria can be annuals or perennials, with opposite, entire leaves and small clusters of pink or purple flowers in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor soils. May be suitable for beds and borders, but has the potential to become a nuisance and should be carefully managed to control spread
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free