Soapwort ~ Saponaria officinalis
AKA; Bouncing Bet, Crow Soap, Soap weed, Lather Root, Wild Sweet William, Fullers Herb
I find it really hard to not take photos every year when Soapwort starts flowering, they are just that delightful. The particular Soapwort I grow is double flowered (i.e. double petalled), which makes it look super lush that totally matches the smell it emits, fruity sweet lush. Soapwort is an old school herb where it’s roots and leaves were made into a gentle soap and used to wash tapestries. Unless you are going to be using soapwort regularly it pays to grow soapwort contained as it can be pretty invasive. I know of people whom keep it in a pot near there outdoor tap and wash their hands with a couple of leaves and water before going indoors after gardening. 🌿All my plants are grown organically.
Soapwort plants for sale in NZ
- Price; $6.50 (Out of Stock)
- Size; 9cm pot, grows to 150-600mm (in flower)
- Growth Type; Spreading perennial
Growing Soapwort
- Climate; Cool to mild climate
- Exposure; Full sun to semi shade
- Soil; Reasonably fertile and moist
- Tip; Grows from runners so can become invasive. Do not plant near waterways or ponds as the saponins in the roots is toxic to fish.
Using Soapwort
- Parts Used; Leaf and root
- Medicinal Actions and Uses; Expectorant, laxative, mild diuretic. Fragrant garden. Household use. Externally it’s a nice wash for eczema sufferers.
Links for more information
- https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/how-to/92735848/how-to-use-herbs-to-make-your-own-laundry-powder-and-fabric-softener
- https://grunewaldforaging.com/2012/07/29/soapwort-and-other-stuff/
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Disclaimer; The content on this website is not intended as a medical reference but as a source of information. I, SandRa Timmins (she), am not a qualified herbalist and recommend you see your GP or holistic practitioner before dabbling in herbal remedies especially for; serious/chronic conditions, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are already taking pharmaceuticals. Treat herbal remedies with respect, they can be powerful.