Soapwort Rock

Soapwort Rock

Enhance your rock gardens and ground cover areas with the resilient Soapwort Rock (*Saponaria ocymoides*). This low-growing spreading perennial reaches a height of 15-25 cm (6-10″) and produces charming mounds of small, 5-petalled pink (or sometimes white) flowers in the spring, creating a lovely carpet of color.

The delicate and fragrant blooms are not only beautiful but also attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden, adding life and movement. Soapwort is known for being relatively low maintenance and has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit, recognizing its excellent qualities.

For successful growth, start Soapwort seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost, or in your case, consider starting them now for potential planting in a slightly cooler period. Follow the recommended planting depth of 3 mm (1/8″) and initial seed spacing of 1.3 cm (1/2″).

Once all danger of frost has passed (if applicable to your region), or when seedlings are robust enough, harden them off before transplanting to a location that is sheltered from strong winds and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Space plants about 45 cm (18″) apart. It’s crucial to plant Soapwort in well-draining soil, as it thrives in rocky and sandy conditions.

Be aware that Soapwort does not perform well in excessive heat and humid conditions, so choose a location that offers some relief from intense afternoon sun, if possible, in hot climates. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially while the plants are establishing. Feeding once per week can support healthy growth.

After the initial spring flowering, you can cut back the plants to maintain a compact shape and potentially encourage a second flush of blooms.

• Produces Mounds of Small, 5-Petalled Pink (or White) Flowers in Spring
• Low-Growing Spreading Perennial (6-10″ Tall)
• Excellent for Rock Gardens and Ground Cover
• Attracts Hummingbirds and Butterflies
• Long Flowering Period
• Low Maintenance
• Award of Garden Merit Winner
• Requires Well-Draining Soil (Thrives in Rocky/Sandy Soil)
• Prefers at Least 6 Hours of Sun Daily (Sheltered from Wind)
• Does Not Do Well in Excessive Heat and Humid Conditions
• Can Be Cut Back After Flowering to Maintain Shape and Encourage Rebloom

Order your Soapwort Rock seeds today and enjoy the delicate beauty and pollinator-attracting power of this charming perennial in your garden, keeping in mind its preference for well-drained soil and sensitivity to extreme heat and humidity.