soapwort
Saponaria officinalis
USDA zones3 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Pink, white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, clay, or chalky soil. Fragrant pink or white flowers open from early to late summer and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. It tolerates drought, so it suits low care spots.
Pairs well with Lamb’s ear, Magnus coneflower, and Adam's needle.
Native range
Europe to Caucasus.