Luminous pink tones of soft flower foam: soapwort or -less elegantly- soapweed. It grows almost everywhere except for...gardens where it can be tolerated but hardly appreciated. Its Latin name Saponaria alludes to soap. Why? The answer lies in the roots and leaves of this fresh-looking plant. They contain saponin, a chemical substance which produces a frothy mass of bubbles when mixed with water. And that foam is known for its friendly cleansing properties because it does not irritate the skin, even the very delicate one. Being so advantageous I am sure it is about time soapwort became regarded as an ornamental plant and not as a weed. Well, let us start with "an ornamental weed" , shall we?
Soapwort flowers appear in June and continue blooming until early September but the best time to admire their grace is July. Not only do they look gorgeous but also give off a pleasant and intriguing scent seducing night moths which visit the flowers after dusk. Believe me, warm summer nights full of soapwort flavour (and moths) can greatly change our perception and stimulate our senses. I am not exaggerating.
As a very sturdy plant it grows in a variety of soils providing there is enough sunlight available. That is why it can be observed along the shoulders of roadways. It also grows in forgotten places like dilapidated old country houses, and -I assume- such unfavorable associations have caused the plant to be treated without due interest. Fortunately, all attitudes can be changed. The easiest way to do so is sow some seeds collected from the wildly grown plants in the garden. Should your neighbour happen to have a clump of saponaria in their flowerbeds, or you if see it grow next to the fence, it can be divided and transplanted directly into the garden or pots. Within tree or four years it will form a nice patch growing up to 30-70 cm. Good care can invigorate the plant so much that it might become a little too expansive but do not worry, it can be easily controlled.
Soapwort is a great plant to form colourful flower compositions in the garden, especially with the bright and intense flowers of other perennials and annuals. The light pink shades of soapwort create a perfect background for them.
As a very sturdy plant it grows in a variety of soils providing there is enough sunlight available. That is why it can be observed along the shoulders of roadways. It also grows in forgotten places like dilapidated old country houses, and -I assume- such unfavorable associations have caused the plant to be treated without due interest. Fortunately, all attitudes can be changed. The easiest way to do so is sow some seeds collected from the wildly grown plants in the garden. Should your neighbour happen to have a clump of saponaria in their flowerbeds, or you if see it grow next to the fence, it can be divided and transplanted directly into the garden or pots. Within tree or four years it will form a nice patch growing up to 30-70 cm. Good care can invigorate the plant so much that it might become a little too expansive but do not worry, it can be easily controlled.
Soapwort is a great plant to form colourful flower compositions in the garden, especially with the bright and intense flowers of other perennials and annuals. The light pink shades of soapwort create a perfect background for them.
Jarek
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