Other Common Names: Bouncing Bet, Soapwort, Sweet Betty Scientific Name: Saponaria officinalis Linnaeus Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink, Carnation Family); Genus: Saponaria (Soapwort) Radford et al. (1968): Saponaria officinallis p. 445 Range in the US: Naturalized thoughout and invasive in some areas; Native to Europe SE Nativity: No Habit: Short Perennial Forb Sun: Part-full Soil: Average-Moist Germination: Unknown. Suggest at least one month stratification Parentage: Athens-Clarke County, GA Comments: This is not a native, but it a great representative of species in the Pink Family, most of them suitable as a border, rock garden, or meadow plant. Most are evergreen, flower over several months, and survive all sorts of insults and are not invasive.
This species is naturalized from Europe and is usually found as small colonies in or above road-side ditches. Plant spreads by rhizomes and seed, but is uncommon locally. It produces inflorescences with large simple flowers with reflexed blades during early autumn. They make excellent cut flowers. I loved this plant at first sight.
Others do not love this plant. Listed as noxious, invasive, or similar by several orgainizations and one state, Colorado. See the USDA-Plants Profile for an eye-full; it clearly is a problem in some habitats in the western states. Order only after learning more about it.
Image by Glenn Galau ©SparkleberrySprings.com
USDA-SAPON Profile
CARSAPOFF Packet contains at least 5 sound seed
If multiple packets are ordered, we may combine them into a single packet. Our price is to discourage casual purchase
Sorry - Sold Out
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