Guide to growing Bouncing Bet - Perennial Saponaria

This section is dedicated to growing perennial varieties of Saponaria such as Rock Soapwort and Bouncing Bet; Click here for information on how to grow Annual species of Saponaria such as Soapwort.

Perennial Saponaria range from 15 to 90cm in height, and like the annual varieties may have pink, white or red flowers and lance shaped leaves.

Perennial Saponaria flower from late in spring through to early summer.

How to grow Bouncing Bet

The seeds of Bouncing Bet and other perennial Saponaria should be sown on the surface in either early autumn or spring. The spacing in which the seeds are sown is species dependent: small Saponaria should be sown about 10cm apart, whilst larger varieties sown from 25 to 40cm apart. They can be grown in either sunny or lightly shaded areas, and ideally be grown in a dry and rocky soil. They love a moist and rich soil and may grow uncontrollably; so if growing in these conditions it is important to weed them vigorously.

If starting perennial Saponaria from seed indoors then do so about 10 weeks before due to be planted out (end of autumn or just before the last frost of spring). Bouncing Bet seeds should be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black bag, then placing in the fridge for three weeks. Seeds should then be sown out at a temperature of 20 Celsius in the light; they normally take about 10 to 20 days to germinate.

Caring for Bouncing Bet

It is pretty easy to care for and maintain Perennial Saponaria species such as Bouncing Bet and Rock Soapwort. In prolonged dry periods give them a light watering. Cut back the plants once flowering has finished to keep them attractive; this may also lead to a further bloom. If you require more Saponaria plants then they can be propagated by division at the start of spring, or from cuttings from soft wood at the start of summer.