

Soapworts
Botanical name: Saponaria
Soapworts
Botanical name: Saponaria


Description

Soapworts make up a large genus of wildflowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Available in a variety of cultivars that come in a wide range of colors, these flowers require minimal maintenance. Flowers are long lasting with blooms that last about a month or longer. The roots from soapworts are used to make soap, which is how the genus got its name. This natural cleaner can be used for various household tasks.

Species of Soapworts


Soapworts 'Max Frei'
Soapworts 'Max Frei' is a soapwort cultivar known for its long blooming (throughout summer and fall) and its profuse flowers. The blooms come in a delightful shade of rose pink and blend well with the dark red stems and calyces. The name honors Ukrainian author Max Frei.

Rock soapwort
Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) is a flowering perennial plant native to Europe. Rock soapwort is commonly planted for ground cover in gardens. This plant's blossoms attract bees and butterflies. This species grows on rock walls and slopes.

Bouncing-bet
Bouncing-bet (Saponaria officinalis) is a common North American perennial plant also called soapwart, crow soap, and soapweed. Saponaria officinalis means "soap" because this plant is utilized for cleaning and lathers when in contact with water. If ingested in high amounts, it is toxic and can cause nausea and digestive distress.

Soapworts 'Bressingham'
Soapworts 'Bressingham' make up a large genus of wildflowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Available in a variety of cultivars that come in a wide range of colors, these flowers require minimal maintenance. Flowers are long lasting with blooms that last about a month or longer. The roots from soapworts 'Bressingham' are used to make soap, which is how the genus got its name. This natural cleaner can be used for various household tasks.

Yellow soapwort
Yellow soapwort (Saponaria lutea) is a small alpine plant that makes a nice feature in a rock garden. The plant's abundant flowers bloom in late spring and offer significant ornamental appeal. These flowers come in a lovely pale-yellow color, which is rare for plants of this genus.

Bouncing-bet 'Rosea Plena'
According to Colorado University, the bouncing-bet 'Rosea Plena', a soapwort cultivar, has a fragrance four times stronger than a traditional rose. Dr. Aly O'Brien introduced the bouncing-bet 'Rosea Plena' in 1981. Disease-free and animal-resistant, this cultivar spreads slowly compared to the rest of its genus.
Saponaria sicula subsp. sicula
Saponaria sicula subsp. sicula make up a large genus of wildflowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Available in a variety of cultivars that come in a wide range of colors, these flowers require minimal maintenance. Flowers are long lasting with blooms that last about a month or longer. The roots from saponaria sicula subsp. sicula are used to make soap, which is how the genus got its name. This natural cleaner can be used for various household tasks.

Pygmy pink
Pygmy pink make up a large genus of wildflowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Available in a variety of cultivars that come in a wide range of colors, these flowers require minimal maintenance. Flowers are long lasting with blooms that last about a month or longer. The roots from pygmy pink are used to make soap, which is how the genus got its name. This natural cleaner can be used for various household tasks.

Alpine soapwort
Perennial, hairy, cespitose plant. Basal leaves linear or lanceolate, forming a cushion and 1-3 pairs of smaller caulinares. Flowers 8 to 14 mm, purple, petals with rounded apices; chalice very hairy, purple; arranged in small inflorescences.




Scientific Classification

Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Pink Genus
Soapworts