Not just an historical, cottage garden favourite but also a native wildflower. Saponaria officinalis Plena Rosea has a host of common names alongside Soapwort, such as crow soap, wild sweet William and soapweed. Names which often refer to the plants unusual ability to lather up when used with water as a cleaning agent. A member of the carnation family, plants form pretty clumps of lance-shaped leaves which are carried from March to November. Then, from July to September, sweetly perfumed, double, pink flowers are borne on strong stems; the perfect way to brighten your garden and your home (by including in a vase). Seen throughout Europe, Asia and Siberia growing at low or moderate elevations under hedges and at the sides of the road, the nectar-rich flowers are a great way to entice bees, butterflies or other pollinators. Saponaria officinalis Plena Rosea reaches a height of 60cm with a spread of 90cm. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and is a hardy, herbaceous perennial tolerant of temperatures as low as -15 C without any need for additional winter protection.
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