About
A very compact, rhizomatous alpine perennial to around only 5cm in height, forming a cushion of small, thin, almost pine-needle shaped dark green foliage. Clusters of crimson-red to pale purple, rarely white flowers appear on 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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor soils
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seeds in spring, sown indoors in loamy compost, barely covering the seed, with a temperature of 13-18°C. Cuttings can be taken in late summer, or divide in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free