Saponaria officinalis
(Soapwort)
Family - Caryophyllaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Europe
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H7
Height - up to 1m
Width - 50cm
Location - The Cool Garden
Description: A rhizomatous Perennial with a bushy, upright habit. Smooth, mid-green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape. If leaves are agitated in combination with water, a lather will be produced (hence the common name). Fragrant salverform flowers are creamy-white to pale pink. Each Bloom has a green Calyx that is tinged with red. The Blooms are held in panicle-like Cymes and are produced from late summer into early autumn. Attractive to pollinating insects.
This plant may spread enthusiastically if not controlled.
Additional common names - Wild Sweet William, Bouncing Bet
Flower:
Fragrant, salverform flowers with five petals are creamy white or pale pink. Each bloom has a green calyx that is tinged with red. The blooms are held in cymes on upright stems and are produced in August and September.
Flower colour: White, pink
Flower shape: Salverform flowers in cymes
Flowering time: August, September
Foliage:
Smooth mid-green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are held in opposite pairs on upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Ovate to lanceolate
Propagation:
Cuttings, division, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture retentive soil that is well drained.
