Saponaria officinalis Graciella Pink | Soapwort

Saponaria officinalis Graciella Pink | Soapwort

A Fragrant and Long-Lasting Garden Treasure!
Though technically a perennial, Saponaria officinalis 'Graciella Pink' will bloom in its first year when sown early, producing clouds of airy, fragrant pink flowers from midsummer through early autumn. The delicate blooms, reminiscent of jasmine, create a sweetly scented and graceful accent in any cut flower arrangement, wildflower garden, or container planting. Its dark green foliage provides a lush, full backdrop for its elegant blossoms, making it a wonderful filler plant in both gardens and floral displays.

Key Features

• Plant Type: Perennial (blooms first year if sown early)
• Foliage: Deciduous green
• Flower Color: Soft pink
• Blooming Period: Midsummer to early autumn
• Mature Size: 45-60 cm (18-24 in) tall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Days to Maturity: 90-100 days
• Plant Spacing: 23 cm
  
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Uses: Cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, cut flowers, containers, fragrant gardens

Germination Instructions

• Sow indoors in autumn or early spring for the earliest blooms.
• Cold Frame Method: Sow onto moist, well-drained compost. Cover lightly with soil and allow natural cold stratification over winter for spring germination.
• Indoor Sowing: Surface sow onto moist compost at 16-18°C for 2-4 weeks, then cold stratify at -4 to +4°C for 4-6 weeks (a fridge works well). Move to 5-12°C for germination.
• Transplanting: Acclimatize seedlings and plant outdoors once frost risk has passed.

Growing Instructions

• Soil: Prefers neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil.
• Watering: Moderate watering needs—drought tolerant once established.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal flowering.
• Container Friendly: Suitable for patio pots and planters.

Cultivation Instructions

• No Pruning Needed: Naturally maintains a tidy growth habit.
• Self-Seeding: Will self-sow freely, creating beautiful drifts of flowers.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.

Why Grow Saponaria officinalis 'Graciella Pink'?

• Fragrant: Fills the air with a sweet, jasmine-like scent.
• Fast-Flowering: Blooms in its first year when sown early.
• Long-Lasting: Produces flowers from mid-summer to early autumn.
• Great for Cutting: Ideal filler flower for bouquets and arrangements.
• Easy to Grow: Low-maintenance, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.