soapwort

Soapwort (Saponaria lempergii 'Max Frei') should be watered when the soil is dry. The depth of the soil should be checked using your finger about 2-3 inches down to ensure it has dried. During summer months, this plant needs to be watered more frequently than other times of the year. Once a week should be enough for this plant type, and it should be sufficiently watered until some water is seen to have come out of the drainage holes in the pot. During winter months, soapwort does not require as much water, so the plants should only be watered when the soil is dry and there is no sign of moisture in it. As with all plants, avoid overwatering as this will cause root-rot.

Soapwort (Saponaria lempergii 'Max Frei') is an ornamental ground cover that thrives in sunny locations. This plant species requires at least 6-7 hours of full sun every day for optimal growth and flowering. Morning sun is best as intense afternoon sun can be a bit too much for the plants. Planting in a spot where the plant gets bright sun in the morning and shade from the heat in the afternoon is ideal for this species. In areas with hot summers, giving soapwort some afternoon shade is a good idea. As the plant grows, it can be slowly moved into areas with more sunlight.

Soapwort (Saponaria lempergii 'Max Frei') should be lightly pruned twice a year - once in early Spring and once in late Summer. The pruning should be minimal, focusing on shaping the plant into desired shapes and removing any dead or diseased branches. In early Spring, prune any stems that appear too thin or weak to support the flowers that will appear later in the blooming season. In late Summer, cut back any overgrowth or leggy branches that may block the sunlight needed by the flowers. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid tearing the leaves or branches. Prune with discretion to maintain the desired shape and height of the plant.