Protected Series:
Zone: 4SOAPWORT
Saponaria ocymoides, commonly known as Rock Soapwort, is a vigorous, semi-evergreen perennial that provides a spectacular display of color in late spring and early summer. It forms a low, trailing mound of small, oval-shaped green leaves that are soft to the touch. During its peak bloom, it is nearly obscured by a cloud of small, five-petaled pink flowers, creating a soft, frothy appearance in the garden. Its common name stems from the historic use of its roots to create a mild soap, but today it is prized primarily as a durable and charming ornamental groundcover.
The ideal spot for Soapwort is a sunny location with soil that offers excellent drainage. It is perfectly suited for tucking into the crevices of a stone wall, cascading over the edges of a rock garden, or serving as a colorful border for a sunny pathway. While it is quite adaptable to different soil types, it performs best in lean or gravelly earth rather than highly fertile ground. After the initial heavy flush of flowers has faded, shearing the stems back by half can encourage a neater growth habit and potentially trigger a light second bloom later in the season. It is a drought-tolerant choice once established and requires very little intervention to maintain its sprawling, carpet-like form.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
Current inventory will be listed above this line. This plant will not be in the cart if there is no Galena stock listed. Contact Sales Rep for details. | Click for Availability column key & information.
To help Soapwort settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. It will accept a wide range of soil types, but it must be well-draining. Water sparingly, as this plant is drought-tolerant. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer. Deadheading spent blooms encourages additional flowering and helps control self-seeding. Prune in the fall to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
No other plants currently in stock for this genus.