Saponaria officinalis
soapwort
A rhizomatous perennial forming wide clumps of upright stems bearing ovate leaves and terminal clusters of fragrant light pink or white flowers in summer and autumn
Other common names
Boston pinkbouncing bet
see morebouncing bett
chimney pink
common soapwort
devil in a bush
farewell to summer
flop top
fuller's herb
Gill-run-by-the-street
hedge pink
Jill-run-by-the-street
lady by the gate
mock gilliflower
old maid's pink
old maid's slipper
soap plant
soap root
sweet Betty
wild sweet William
wood phlox
world's wonder
bruisewort
crow soap
London pride
sheepweed
soapwort gentian
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor soils. May be suitable for beds and borders, but has the potential to become a nuisance and should be carefully managed to control spread
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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