Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
Soapwort (bouncing bet) (Saponaria officinalis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe to western Asia. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Soapwort (bouncing bet) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe to western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | parts of North America (spreads along roadsides and riverbanks): check local rules before planting |
Is Soapwort (bouncing bet) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, roots, seeds
Saponins irritate the gut if eaten; poisonous to livestock in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Soapwort (bouncing bet)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Soapwort (bouncing bet)
- How far apart should I plant Soapwort (bouncing bet)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Soapwort (bouncing bet) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Soapwort (bouncing bet) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Soapwort (bouncing bet)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Soapwort (bouncing bet) flower?
- From about June for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Soapwort (bouncing bet) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Saponins irritate the gut if eaten; poisonous to livestock in quantity.
- What grows well with Soapwort (bouncing bet)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Soapwort (bouncing bet). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Clusters of pale pink, clove-scented flowers on spreading stems. Leaves and roots whisked in water make a gentle lather, still used by textile conservators to wash fragile old fabrics. Runs by rhizomes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens
- Maiden pink Dianthus deltoides