Saponaria pumilio Boiss.

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<em>Saponaria</em> <em>pumilio</em> Boiss. visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Saponaria pulvinaris

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

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

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
South–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)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor soils

Propagation

Propagate 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free