Saponaria ocymoides

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tumbling Ted

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Other common names

basil soap-wort, rock soapwort

Synonyms

Silene ocymoides

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A vigorous mat-forming perennial to 8cm in height, with small semi-evergreen ovate leaves and loose clusters of pink flowers 10mm in width

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Saponaria can be annuals or perennials, with opposite, entire leaves and small clusters of pink or purple flowers in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed and softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Cut back hard after flowering to maintain compact habit

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free