Description
Saponaria officinalis. 1.1L coir pot.
Native to Asia and Europe, soapwort is a vigorous ground cover that produces delicate, pink – white flowers with a clove-like fragrance.
Saponins (‘Sapo’ is the Latin word for soap) are present in the leaves and roots. A soap-like lather occurs when the leaves are crushed and mixed with water, and when the roots are boiled.
The plant has a long history of use as a gentle hand / body cleanser, and is thought to have been used as far back as the Stone Age.
Soapwort has been used in traditional medicine for various treatments.
It enjoys a part shade position in moist, well draining soil, and should grow about 50cm high by 1m wide.
Great for attracting butterflies and moths.
