Saponaria ocymoides L.
Rock Soapwort
Rock soapwort is a low, spreading perennial in the pink family, grown for the dense mats of small, five-petalled pink flowers that smother its trailing, semi-evergreen stems in early summer. The slender stems and narrow leaves tumble readily over edges, earning it the affectionate name tumbling Ted.
About
Rock soapwort is a low, spreading perennial in the pink family, grown for the dense mats of small, five-petalled pink flowers that smother its trailing, semi-evergreen stems in early summer. The slender stems and narrow leaves tumble readily over edges, earning it the affectionate name tumbling Ted. It is not a British native but a cultivated alpine species from the mountains of south-western and south-central Europe.
It thrives in poor, gritty, sharply drained soil in full sun, conditions that suit its natural rocky habitat, and it dislikes heavy or waterlogged ground. The bright flowers are a useful nectar source for bees and butterflies in late spring and early summer. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, dry stone walls, gravel and the front of sunny borders, where it can spill and form colourful cascades.
Also known as
tumbling-Ted
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.