Saponaria

Saponaria

Soapwort, Caryophyllaceae,Pink Family

How to say: sap-oh-NAH-ree-uh

Description:
Soapworts produce masses of 5-petaled pink flowers for several weeks in the summer.The flowers crown leafy stems clothed with opposite oval leaves.Plants grow from fleshy white roots that produce new shoots as they creep.The floppy stems often root where they touch the ground.

Types of Soapwort:
Saponaria x lempergii- Soapwort
S. ocymoides- Rock Soapwort
S. officinalis- Bouncing bet

How to Grow:
Soapworts grow in average,sandy or loomy,well drained soil in full light or light shade.Rich soil causes them to overgrow and flop. s.sofficinalis self-sows prolifically;avois problems by choosing double-flowered cutivars, which do not set seed.After flowering cut plants back to encourage fresh growth;s. ocymoides may rebloom.Divide plants in spring or fall to control their spread.Propagate by division,or take cutting any time during the summer.

How to Grow From Seed:
Temp should be 15-20°C
Sow seed Febuary-July
Cover with thin layer vermiculite/compost
Germination takes 2-4 weeks

Landscape Uses:
Choose S.ocymoides for the rock garden or for edging along walks and step.It also makes a good groundcover for a sunny well-drained site.In the border,combine soapworts with summer-blooming perennials such as artemisias,yarrows,daylilies,speedwells,lavender(Dwarf) and sedums.