Rock Soapwort Rose Pink

Rock Soapwort Rose Pink: variety and characteristics

Rock Soapwort Rose Pink (Saponaria ocymoides) is a perennial flower of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). Rock soapwort is a vigorous low trailing plant, useful for spilling over sunny slopes or over rock walls. The plants form a low mound of bright green leaves, literally smothered in star-shaped bright pink flowers.

Useful as an edging for a sunny border, hanging baskets or pots.

Clumps can be easily divided in late summer or early spring. Adaptable to most soils, but prefers an open, sunny position.

Soapwort is a hardy flowering plant whose root contains saponins — once used for washing.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 84%
• Seeds per packet: 153–207 pcs (0.4 g)
• Seed origin: Netherlands
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Rock Soapwort Rose Pink

Rock Soapwort Rose Pink seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Rock Soapwort Rose Pink

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow the soapwort seeds early in the season and cover them very lightly with soil. Or scatter the seeds and lightly rake them into the soil. Water lightly after sowing. Rock soapwort prefers light, well-draining soil and a sunny setting. Once the plants are established, they should grow well for years with almost no maintenance. Water them 1 - 2 times a week during dry periods and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month or two.

Undemanding, tolerates drought.

Flowering and uses

Flowers abundantly in summer.

Frequently asked questions

When should Rock Soapwort Rose Pink be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 153–207 seeds, pack size 0.4 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 84%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.