Rock Soapwort

(Saponaria ocymoides)

Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Saponaria ocymoides image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Saponaria ocymoides, commonly known as Rock Soapwort, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to rocky slopes and screes in Southern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-0.8 feet (15-25 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. Rock Soapwort forms a low, dense mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves, and during late spring to early summer, it produces a profusion of small, bright pink to purplish-pink flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Rock Soapwort is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its use as a ground cover in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and on slopes where erosion control is needed. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for xeriscaping, and it can also be used to soften the edges of pathways or to spill over walls. It requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-care plantings. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Rock Soapwort has been recognized for its ornamental value with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Rocky slopes and screes in Southern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Tumbling Ted, Kleines Seifenkraut, Saponaire Faux-Basilic, Saponaire Rose, Muurzeepkruid, Liten Såpnejlika, Rotes Seifenkraut

Scientific Names: , Saponaria ocymoides, Saponaria ocymoides subsp. alsinoides, Saponaria repens, Silene ocymoides, Bootia ocymoides, Saponaria ocymoides var. gracilior, Saponaria viscosa, Saponaria ocymoides var. alsinoides, Silene alsinoides

GBIF Accepted Name: Saponaria ocymoides L.