Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort)
Soapwort, Boston Pink, Bouncing Bett, Bouncing Bet, Bruisewort, Chimney Pink, Common Soapwort, Crow Soap, 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, London Pride, Mock Gilliflower, Old Maid's Pink, Old Maid's Slipper, Sheepweed, Soap Plant, Soap Root, Soapwort Gentian, Sweet Betty, Wild Sweet William, Wood Phlox, World's Wonder
Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) is a rhizomatous perennial forming wide clumps of upright stems clad with lance-shaped dark green leaves. From mid to late summer, it boasts terminal and axillary clusters of fragrant light pink or white flowers. The nectar of the flowers attracts butterflies and moths. Native to Eurasia, this Saponaria species has naturalized throughout much of North America. This is an attractive plant with a long blooming period. Unfortunately, it has also become an invasive plant in some natural areas.
- Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). This plant spreads by rhizomes.
- Performs best in full sun in average, medium to dry, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor rocky or sandy soils. Tends to sprawl when grown in rich soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- Excellent choice for prairies and meadows, wildlife gardens or cottage gardens.
- Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Deer resistant.
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom period.
- Propagate by seed or division.
- Native to Eurasia. Saponaria officinalis has widely naturalized in the U.S. and sometimes becomes a troublesome weed.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
By M. Schuppich, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow |