Saponaria officinalis SOAPWORT (plant)

Soapwort is a perennial plant in the Caryophyllaceae family.
It is a relatively large variety, 30 to 80 cm tall.
The flowers are white and fragrant from late spring to late summer.
It grows very quickly and to great development.

Like Panama wood, the flowering tops could replace soap for washing delicate clothes prone to discoloration.

It is because it contains saponin like the soap nut in India (Sapindus mukorossi), a substance which has the property of foaming and used as a detergent, that this species also bears its name of soap herb or soap plant.

When its roots are dried and cleaned, they can be used to make a powder that locals once used to wash their hands.
Mixed with soda, it could also whiten pale wool and lace.

In medicine, its decoction is used in dermatology.
The Romans put it in their baths.

Soapwort, plant 10 to 25 cm high, delivered in a clump containing numerous roots.
Upon receipt, you must immediately transplant the soap grass into a 3 liter pot with good horticultural soil.
Drain the bottom of the pot well then water it thoroughly during planting.
Leave to grow in the pot in a shaded position.

For growing in the ground, plant it in a shaded place.
The soil must always remain moist even in summer; if it is really hot, mulch it well to limit evaporation of the soil.

• Variety containing Saponin.
• Perennial and very hardy, growing back every year.
• Beautiful white flowers in summer.
• Possessing many medicinal properties.

Also available in the form of a bag of grains to germinate.
Do not consume without medical advice.