How to Grow Saponaria Plants

Guide to Growing Rock Soapwort and Bouncing Bet

This section is dedicated to growing perennial varieties of the Saponaria plant such as Rock Soapwort and Bouncing Bet; Click here for information on how to grow Annual species of Saponaria such as Soapwort.

Perennial Saponaria range from 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) in height. Like the annual varieties they may have pink, white or red flowers. Plants carry lance shaped leaves.

Perennial Saponaria flowers bloom from late in spring through to early summer.

Saponaria officinalis by Gmayfield10.

Saponaria flower close-up by Pastilletes. Both photographs under creative commons licence.

How to Grow Saponaria Plants

The seeds of Rock Soapwort, Bouncing Bet and other perennial Saponaria plants should be sown on the surface. Do this in either early autumn or spring.

The spacing in which the seeds are sown is species dependent: small Saponaria should be sown about 10 cm (4 inches) apart, whilst larger varieties sown from 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 inches) apart.

They can be grown in either sunny or lightly shaded areas, and ideally be grown in a dry and rocky soil.

They love a moist and rich soil and may grow uncontrollably; so if growing in these conditions it is important to weed them vigorously.

If starting perennial Saponaria species such as Soapwort from seed indoors, then do so about 10 weeks before due to be planted out (end of autumn or just before the last frost of spring).

Bouncing Bet seeds should be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black bag, then placing in the fridge for three weeks. Seeds should then be sown out at a temperature of 20 Celsius (68°F) in the light; they normally take about 10 to 20 days to germinate.

Caring for Saponaria - Bouncing Bet, Soapwort

It is pretty easy to care for and maintain Perennial Saponaria plant species such as Bouncing Bet and Rock Soapwort.

In prolonged dry periods, give them a light watering. Cut back the plants once flowering has finished to keep them attractive; this may also lead to a further bloom.

If you require more Saponaria plants, then they can be propagated by division at the start of spring, or take cuttings from soft wood at the start of summer.

Common Questions

How many members does the Saponaria genus have?

The Saponaria genus comprises about 20-30 recognized species.

Do members of Saponaria make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, members of the Saponaria genus are often used in gardens for their delicate, profuse flowers and ability to grow in a variety of soil conditions.

Which Saponaria species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species by gardeners is Saponaria officinalis, which is cultivated for its beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers.

Are members of the Saponaria plant genus fragrant?

Yes, Saponaria officinalis is known for its sweet, clove-like fragrance, especially strong in the evening and at night.

What is the perfect location to grow Saponaria?

Saponaria prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. It's a hardy plant that can be grown in zones 3 to 9.

Is Saponaria invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Saponaria officinalis can be invasive in certain parts of the USA, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, where it can crowd out native species.

How do I remove Saponaria plants from my garden?

To remove Saponaria, pull out the plant, ensuring you remove the entire root system. Using a trowel or a gardening fork can make this process easier.

Summary

The Saponaria genus, commonly referred to as soapworts, includes perennial and annual plants native to Europe and Asia. They are known for their showy clusters of pink or white flowers and have traditionally been used as a natural soap substitute due to their high saponin content.

Saponaria should be grown from seeds or divisions, typically in the spring. They require full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. Soapworts are drought-resistant once established and require moderate watering, avoiding waterlogged conditions.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Saponaria plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Irish moss and Gypsophilia plants.