Saponaria ocymoides 'Rubra Compacta'

RHS Plant Profile

tumbling Ted 'Rubra Compacta'

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

'Rubra Compacta' is a compact semi-evergreen perennial to 8cm tall, with small ovate-lanceolate leaves and loose clusters of deep red flowers 1cm across in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–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: Bushy
Genus: Saponaria can be annuals or perennials, with opposite, entire leaves and small clusters of pink or purple flowers in summer
Name Status: Unresolved

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