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Saponaria × lempergii 'Max Frei'

soapwort 'Max Frei'

A mat-forming semi-evergreen perennial, with grey-green foliage, reaching a height of 35cm. It displays five-petalled pink blooms throughout summer and autumn on hairy stems

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Pink Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained sunny spot, in pH neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Ideal for the front of a sunny border

Propagation

Divide congested mats in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Trim lightly after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free, although slugs and snails are sometimes a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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