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perennial

Rock Soapwort

Saponaria ocymoides

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Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) at Tagawa Gardens

Rock Soapwort in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) at Tagawa Gardens

Rock Soapwort flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  6 inches

Spacing:  15 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  2

Ornamental Features

Rock Soapwort is smothered in stunning pink flowers at the ends of the stems from mid to late spring, which emerge from distinctive rose flower buds. Its round leaves remain emerald green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Rock Soapwort is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Rock Soapwort is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Rock Soapwort will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features

This Plant Library is for informational purposes only. We may or may not carry the items listed. During many times of the year, we may carry many more plants in our store than are listed in the Plant Library. Please contact us directly at 303-690-4722 or visit our store for current availability and for assistance.