Soapwort  - Saponaria officinalis - €5 per plant 

Soapwort is an attractive plant with a long blooming period throughout the summer where beautiful pink or purple flowers emit their beautiful scent.  As its common name implies, it can be used as a very gentle soap and has historically been used to clean delicate textiles.  It is a good candidate for the woodland garden, makes excellent ground cover and would be equally well placed in a herbaceous or mixed border.  It can grow well in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in the full sun.   
To order this plant email: [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe, including Britain and temperate Asia. 
  • native habitat: Fields, roadsides and along the banks of streams
  • family: Caryophyllaceae

Predators

  • Slugs and snails may be a problem

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi shade or full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • Hardiness Zone: 4
  • Prefers moist soil

Known hazards 

  • The plant contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Avoid during pregnancy

Overview

  • Perennial growing to 1 m  by 1 m at a medium rate. 
  • It is hardy to zone 4. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by butterflies and moths.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy),  medium (loamy) and heavy soils and prefers moist, well drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun.

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: From the axils of the upper leaves, some short side upright stems are produced bearing ovate leaves and terminal clusters of fragrant light pink or white flowers 
  • height x width (m): 1 x 1

Products 

  • As the common name suggests, soap can be obtained from the whole plant, including the root, by boiling.
  • Soapwort's main medicinal use is as an expectorant
  • A decoction of the whole plant can be applied externally to treat itchy skin
  • Produces beautiful pink blooms in the summer. 

Functions, behaviours

  • Rhizomatous perennial forming wide clumps of upright stems bearing ovate leaves and terminal clusters of fragrant light pink or white flowers in summer and autumn
  • It is a gentle effective cleaner
  • Much of the seed production comes from self-pollination.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project