Overview

Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena' is a perennial in the genus Saponaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

About

Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena' is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae that reaches about 1.0 m and produces mildly fragrant summer blooms from June to September. It prefers full sun and reliably moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures. Rated H7, it is fully hardy in UK gardens and tolerates a wide range of conditions. The plant forms a robust clump that holds its height through the season.

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

In the garden

Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena' is a perennial soapwort from Europe and Western Asia, a member of the Caryophyllaceae. It grows to around 1.0 m and carries mildly fragrant flowers through the summer months, flowering from June to September. The cultivar offers sustained seasonal bloom without the need for specialist soils. Place it in full sun where soils remain moist but drain freely; it adapts to sandy, loamy or clay substrates. Being H7 (fully hardy), it withstands UK winter conditions and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8. Give plants a consistent supply of moisture in warm weather to keep flowering steadily, but avoid waterlogging. Use Soapwort 'Rubra Plena' in sunny herbaceous borders, cottage-style beds or alongside paths where its mild scent can be appreciated on warm days. It fills a mid-border position at about 1.0 m tall and provides summer continuity when paired with other full-sun perennials. Expect the main ornamental interest to be its summer flowers and gentle fragrance from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Saponaria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

1.0 m

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Fragrance

Mild

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena'

Propagation

Division, seed

Frequently asked questions