Soapwort ‘Graciella White’

Saponaria officinalis

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • One-hit wonder

Description

Though considered a perennial, this tough, vigorous plant will flower the first year if sown early and will produce from midsummer through early autumn. Beautiful dark green plants are smothered in clouds of airy, white, fragrant flowers that remind us of jasmine. A wonderful filler, this treasure adds a sweet scent and graceful accent to any arrangement. Also suitable for containers.

Details

Plant type: perennial
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when one-third of the flowers on a stem are open. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Details

Description

Though considered a perennial, this tough, vigorous plant will flower the first year if sown early and will produce from midsummer through early autumn. Beautiful dark green plants are smothered in clouds of airy, white, fragrant flowers that remind us of jasmine. A wonderful filler, this treasure adds a sweet scent and graceful accent to any arrangement. Also suitable for containers.

Details

Plant type: perennial
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when one-third of the flowers on a stem are open. Be sure to cut during the coolest part of the day to minimize wilting. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.