Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

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