Plant Needs.... Planting site Hardiness: Hardy in UK/Ireland/Scottish Highlands Zones 4 to 10 (-34C to 4C / -30F to 40F) Border/container: Borders Sun/shade: Likes sun Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral Moisture: Well drained soil Hazardous: No
Description... This rather invasive plant has pretty, pink, fragrant flowers. These are held in light clusters at the top of the plant in summer and the fragrance is particularly noticeable in the evening. Graham Stuart Thomas, says the leaves are used to clean old tapestries. When crushed, saponin is released. This lathers in water and has cleansing properties.
Typically available as
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Seeds
(GA0)
(GA3)
(GA6)
(GA9)
Bulbs
(GA1)
(GA4)
(GA7)
(GA10)
Plants
(GA2)
(GA5)
(GA8)
(GA11)
Saponaria officinalis
Planting your new plant
Water the plant thoroughly when you get it home, and plant out as soon as possible. Make the hole for the plant larger that the pot it is in and the same depth. When removing the plant from the pot, squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen it. Loosen the roots of the plant, put the plant in the hole spreading the roots to encourage them to grow outwards. Fill round the edges of the rootball with soil to the same level as the surrounding soil.
Care for your plant
Plants in containers need plant food to thrive when in growth. Seek advice from your retailer regarding best product(s). Follow the packet instructions when applying plant food. Remove fading flowers to encourage fresh ones.
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