Photo of Saponaria officinalis by Arrowhead Alpines

Photo by Arrowhead Alpines

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Saponaria officinalis

Also Known As

  • Bouncing Bet

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 24"
  • W: 24"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Saponaria officinalis plant details

Saponaria officinalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Saponaria officinalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: caryophyllaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 24 IN tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Saponaria officinalis

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

I found this FRAGRANT plant flowering its heart out beside the road in the Garonne region of France. The seeds have come true and we now have a bit of my French hiking holiday in Richmond! Forms a good clump fast and won't need any fussing.Use a spade each spring and/or fall to limit the root spread.
Bouncing Bet, I'm guessing Bet jiggled a bit when she ran, if that image doesn't entrance you then try watching the sphinx moths that flock to this in the evening. No serious moth and butterfly collector should be without this. ZONE 4

Gardening facts about Saponaria officinalis plant

How to Grow Saponaria officinalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Saponaria for your garden

aka Saponaria x 'Oliviana', Oliviana Soapwort, Polish Soapwort

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Saponaria x oliviana flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4"

Width: 9"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Saponaria lutea by Arrowhead Alpines
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aka Saponaria x boiseri

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3"-6"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Saponaria x boissieri by Arrowhead Alpines
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aka Max Frei Soapwort

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Saponaria x lempergii 'Max Frei' foliage by David J. Stang
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+5 more Saponaria
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