Care of the plant Saponaria officinalis or Common soapwort |
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The genus Saponaria, family Caryophyllaceae, comprises 30 species of perennials, annuals and biannuals, mostly native to the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Saponaria officinalis, Saponaria calabrica, Saponaria ocymoides, Saponaria caespitosa, Saponaria pumila, Saponaria lutea. Common names: Common soapwort, Soapweed, Bouncing-bet, Crow soap. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are herbaceous plants with highly branched stems that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. They have small oval or elliptical leaves. They produce abundant single flowers that can be deep pink, pale pink, white, or red. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockeries, in borders and flowerbeds and in pots for terraces and balconies. These plants were used as soap when rubbed with water. Saponaria officinalis needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. They are very rustic plants that grow in any soil (better if it's sandy), even by the sea. Planting is done at the end of winter. Water moderately during all seasons of the year, always waiting for the soil to dry out. Fertilize once in late spring with mineral fertilizer. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; sometimes they can be attacked by aphids. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in their final location or by division at the time of planting. |
Images of the plant Saponaria officinalis or Common soapwort |
 Saponaria officinalis  Saponaria officinalis  Saponaria officinalis  Saponaria officinalis |