How to Grow and Care for Rock Soapwort Flowers

About Growing Rock Soapwort Plants in Your Home Flower Garden

Rock Soapwort plants are easy-to-grow perennials that form a carpet of spreading color. Native to Europe and Asia, Rock Soapwort plants produce a profusion of five-petaled, pink flowers in varying shades of pink and white. Have patience growing Rock Soapwort flowers. The long-lasting flowers usually begin to bloom in the second year of growth. Flower production will cease sometime in the Fall. But, these cold-hardy plants will continue to grow even after the first light frost.

The low-growing plants are up to three feet tall. The plants are often used in rock gardens, on hillsides, or as ground cover for hard-to-reach and maintain areas. The plants are just about maintenance-free. Rock Soapwort grows well in containers and hanging baskets.

Important: The plant is toxic to humans and pets. Make sure to keep young children and pets away from it.

Rock Soapwort are good as cut flowers. And, the flowers are dried for use in potpourris.

Rock Soapwort Flowers Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: Pink and white.

Flowers Bloom: Summer through Fall

Plant height: 1 to 3 feet tall.

Ideal Soil pH: 7.0 – 8.0.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 2 – 9

Light Needs: Bright, full sunlight to partial sunlight in warmer regions.

Is the Plant Toxic?: Yes. It is harmful to humans and pets.

Deer Resistant? Yes. The plants are resistant to deer, rabbits, and other foraging animals.

Number of Species: 30 to 40 species.

Plant Type: Perennial

Botanical Name: Saponaria

Other Names: Tumbling Ted

Are Perennial Rock Soapwort Flowers Edible?

NO!!

All parts of the plant are mildly toxic. However, small quantities are sometimes used in salads and garnishes. It can cause diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Keep this plant away from children and pets.

Medicinal Applications for Rock Soapwort Plants

Many otherwise toxic plants have medicinal uses and herbal remedies. Perennial Rock Soapwort flowers are no exception.

The plant is used to treat wounds and other skin ailments.
During the Middle Ages, it was used to relieve chest pain.
In the 1600s, English herbal doctor Nicholas Culpeper promoted its use to treat syphilis.

Important Note: As a toxic plant we do not recommend using it in home remedies unless you are properly trained in the safe medicinal preparation of this plant.

Light Requriements

Perennial Rock Cress plants grow their best in full, direct sunlight. And, the flowers are most prolific when grown in full sun. Plant them in a location where they will receive bright sunlight for six to eight hours or more each day.

In hotter regions, they benefit from partial sunlight or light shade to protect them from the hot afternoon sun.

Perennial Rock Soapwort Plant Propagation

Rock Soapwort is easily grown from division. Simply dig out a section of plants. Next, separate the portion you dug out into a few new sections. Then, re-plant them in another location, or give them to an appreciative friend.

The plants can also be grown from seed. Directly seed into your rock garden or plant seeds indoors for transplanting later. Sow Rock Soapwort seeds early in the season and cover very lightly with soil. Or, broadcast spread the seeds, and rake the soil lightly. Water lightly after seeding.

Note: We recommend a heated germination mat, to increase the speed of germination. And, it, results in a higher germination rate.

Days to Germination: 10 – 15 days.

About Seed Germination

How to Grow Rock Soapwort Flower Plants

Rock Soapwort flowers are easy-to-grow. Plant them in a location where they can grow undisturbed for many years. And, select a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Once the plants are established, they should grow well for years with almost no maintenance.

Soi and fertilizer needs:

Rock Soapwort flowers like rocky and sandy soils. They grow best in light, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in ample amounts of sand before planting. Also, add in plenty of decomposed compost the first time you plant them. This rich, loose soil gives them a quick start in their new home.

Fertilize them at the beginning of the year. Then, apply another dose of fertilizer in mid-season.

Water requirements:

The plants will withstand dry periods. These drought-tolerant plants do not need a lot of water. You need to water them only during extended dry periods, once or twice per week.

Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer every month or two.

Weed around the plants when they are young. A well-weeded flower garden allows the plants to receive full sunlight. And, they will not have to compete with weeds for moisture and nutrients.

A layer of mulch around the plant offers four advantages. First, it keeps the weeds down. Second, it helps to retain soil moisture. The mulch offers a neat and tidy flower garden appearance. And, the mulch feeds the plant as it breaks down.

After blooming, cut plants back after the first bloom, and you will get a second bloom.

Deadheading plants help to keep a neat and tidy appearance. Of course, if you are going to save seeds for next year, keep a few spent flowers on the plant until the dead bloom has completely dried.

Pruning Perennial Rock Soapwort Plants

Use pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems. If the stems get leggy, cut them back. This encourages new growth, and results in a better-looking, bushy plant.

After the first set of blooms have died off, cut the spent blooms back. This encourages more blooms to form.

More on Deadheading Spent Flower Blooms.

How to Grow Rock Soapwort Flowers in Containers and Flowerpots

Perennial Rock Soapwort flowers are not a popular choice for growing in flowerpots on balconies and decks. This is largely because Rock Soapwort plants do not usually bloom until the second year. And, most homeowners seek instant gratification with blooms in year one. With that said, you can grow them on your deck, if you desire. Here’s how:

Like any container-grown plant, they need a little more care and attention. In addition to normal plant care, here’s how to grow perennial Rock Soapwort flowers in containers:

Select a sunny to mostly sunny location on your deck.
It is important to have a drain hole in the container to allow excess water to drain from the pot.
Keep an eye on the moisture level. Check the plants every few days, especially in extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Let the soil dry out between watering.
When watering the plants, thoroughly wet the soil. Excess water will drain through the hole in the bottom of the flowerpot.
Nutrients in a flowerpot are limited. So, use fertilizer spikes to feed the plants. Or, apply a light solution of liquid fertilizer once a month.

Insects and Plant Disease

Rock Soapwort flowers seldom have problems with insects. And, it is all but disease-free. However, if insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Also see: Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

Overwintering Perennial Rock Soapwort Plants

In most areas of the country, perennial Rock Soapwort flowers overwinter with few, if any, problems. However, if left outdoors in containers or flowerpots cold northern climates, the roots can freeze. This will damage or kill them. And, wet soil in the container can cause the plant to rot.

Overwintering Plants Outdoors

In cold weather areas, add 2-3 inches of mulch around before winter to protect the crowns. Then in the early spring, rake off the excess mulch. Also, cut the plant back several inches before new growth begins to develop.

For Overwintering Plants in Containers

Bring the container into a cool garage or shed. Bring the containers back onto your patio or deck in mid-spring. Early in the spring, cut the plant back to several inches. Do this before new growth begins to develop.