Saponaria officinalis
Plant Details
General Information
Scientific name:
Saponaria officinalis
Also known as:
Soapwort, Bouncingbet
Images:
Google Images
Plant Properties
Layer:
Herb layer
Format:
Smal
Height:
1.00 m
Width:
1.00 m
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Leaf:
Deciduous
Growth conditions
USDA Hardiness:
4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun, Half shade
Sun, Half shade
Usage properties
Edible part:
Edibility:
Medicinal:
Features:
Bee plant, Ground cover, Fragrant
Bee plant, Ground cover, Fragrant
Description
A soap can be obtained by boiling the whole plant (especially the root) in water. It is a mild, effective cleaner, mainly used on delicate fabrics that may be damaged by modern synthetic soaps (it has been used to clean the Bayeux tapestry). It gives a shine to the fabric. The best soap is obtained by steeping the plant in warm water. The roots can be dried and stored for later use. The plant is sometimes recommended as a shampoo for hair, although it can cause irritation to the eyes. The plant spreads vigorously and can be used as ground cover when planted about 1 meter apart.
Harvest Data
Start Harvest:
01/07
End of Harvest:
30/09
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Juglans regia English Walnut |
Saponaria officinalis benefits from the shade and nutrient-rich leaf litter that walnut trees provide, while also being able to deter some pests. |
|
Tropaeolum tuberosum Mashua |
Lobularia enhances ground cover, suppressing weeds around Saponaria and attracting beneficial pollinators. |
|
Ruta graveolens Rue, Common rue, Herb of Grace, Garden Rue |
Rhamnus provides structural support and attracts beneficial insects that help with pest control around Saponaria. |
|
Corylus avellana Hazel |
The hazelnut tree offers light shade and improves soil structure, benefiting Saponaria's growth. |