Species Rock soapwort

Rock soapwort

Saponaria ocymoides

Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) is an evergreen perennial plant native to Europe and grows in dry, rocky habitats. It has large, roundish, fleshy leaves and small pink or white flowers. Its most distinguishing feature is the soapy, bitter taste of the leaves when crushed - hence its name. The plant can be used as a mild soap, making it a useful garden addition for natural pest control. Its fleshy tap root system provides great stability in soil and makes it an excellent choice for hard-to-maintain areas. Given sufficient water and sunlight, Rock Soapwort can thrive in any zone.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 9

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) should be watered moderately throughout the growing season, usually 1-2 times per week. During the summer months, increase watering frequency if it is hot and dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as this plant is prone to root rot if consistently overwatered. When watering, make sure to moisten the soil thoroughly and evenly. If grown in pots, water until water runs out of the holes at the base of the pot. In the wintertime, reduce watering and only water when the top 1 inch of soil is completely dry.

sunlight

Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This species of plant grows best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. It can tolerate hot summers and cold winters but when temperatures reach below 20°F, it is best to keep it covered. When started indoors, make sure the plant is receiving plenty of sunlight before transitioning it out to the garden.

pruning

Rock soapwort should be pruned in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Pruning should be done to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and to control the size of the plant. Light pruning can be done annually to maintain a desired size, as the plant grows quickly and can become overgrown in small spaces. About 1 third of the taller stem tips can be removed each year, which will promote bushy and healthy growth. If spring pruning is not done, the plant can be pruned in late summer to prevent undue damage due to wind and frost in the winter months.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rock soapwort typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map