- Food forest
- Bees and butterflies
Soapwort
Saponaria officinalis
Soapwort is a sprawling perennial bearing beautiful pale-pink/white flowers with a sweet fruity scent.
PLANT TYPE Herb
PLANT HABIT Perennial
USES Pollinators, Utility, Ornamental
DESCRIPTION
Soapwort is a sprawling perennial bearing beautiful pale-pink/white flowers with a sweet fruity scent. A great plant for the wildlife garden, is easy to grow with an upright spreading habit.
Soapwort contains saponins and soap can be made by boiling or steeping the whole plant in water. The result is said to be gentler than synthetic cleaners but has the ability to dissolve fats or grease. It has a number of uses, in particular as a gentle shampoo or skin cleanser. Has been used in the past for washing wool, textiles and laundry.
Also known as Bouncing-bet, Crow Soap, Wild Sweet William, and Soapweed.
RECOMMENDED LOCATION Pot, Forest garden, Wildlife garden, Ornamental garden
Aspect Full sun, Partial sun, Moist partial shade, Moist full sun
Height 60cm
Spread 30cm
Hardiness Hardy in UK WInter
Management and care It does spread like mint via thick root and if space is an issue it is better grown in a pot.
