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Saponaria ocymoides |
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Rock
Soapwort |
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 3-7 |
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Central and
Southern Europe, especially in the Alps of
Switzerland |
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Trailing plant broad mound |
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4-10 inches |
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The deep pink, flowers have 5 petals are
borne in a broad, loose cyme. The calyx is
cylindrical, has 5 teeth, glandular-hairy. and up
to ˝ inches long. Some cultivars have double
flowers. |
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Opposite, spatulate, or elliptic to
ovate lanceolate in shape, to 1 inch long lower
leaves have short petioles. and the upper leaves
are sessile. Individual leaves are simple and
entire with an acute apex. The stems are reddish
with many branches. |
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- 'AIba' - Pure white flowers.
- 'Rosea' - Bright rose flowers.
- 'Rubra Compacta' - Dark pink flowers, prostrate
mat, 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
- 'Splendens' - Deep rose flowers which are larger
than the species.
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Saponaria is derived from the
Latin word sapo, “soap,” and refers to the fact
that several species of Saponaria have sap in
the roots that creates a lather when mixed with
water. Supposedly, the roots of S. officinalis.
Bouncing Bet, were once used as a substitute for
soap. |
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