How to Grow and Care for Soapworts

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 (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.

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.

Alpine soapwort is characterized by its mat-forming growth habit with tufted, low stature. The stems are often reclining, adorned with lance-shaped leaves that give a dense, green carpet-like appearance. In summer, vivid pink, fragrant flowers bloom, attracting pollinators. Thriving in well-drained soils, alpine soapwort has a hardy nature, tolerant to drought, making it an adaptable survivor in rock gardens and alpine environments.

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.