Soapwort herb benefits

Soapwort, widespread on poor soils in Europe, Asia and Northern America, was used by medieval Arab physicians for various skin complaints. Fullers used soapwort for soaping cloth before it went on the stamps at the mill, and sheep were washed with a mixture of the leaves, roots and water before being shorn.

Species

Saponaria officinalis

Soapwort

Hardy perennial. Ht 30-90cm (l-3ft), spread 60cm (2ft) or more. Compact cluster of small pretty pink r white flowers in summer to early autumn. The leaf is smooth, oval, pointed and mid-green in color.

Saponaria officinalis 'Rubra Plena'

Double Flowered Soapwort Hardy perennial. Ht 90cm (3ft), spread 30cm (1ft). Clusters of red, ragged, double flowers in summer. The leaves are mid-green and oval in shape.

Saponaria ocymoides

Tumbling Ted Hardy perennial. Ht 2.5-8cm (l-3in), spread 40cm (16in) or more. Prolusion of tiny, flat, pale pink/crimson flowers in summer. Compact or loose sprawling mats of hairy oval leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Only Soapwort and Fumbling Ted can be grown from seed. Sow in autumn into prepared seed or plug trays and cover with compost. Place glass over container and leave outside over winter. Germination usually takes place in spring but can be erratic. When large enough, plant 60cm (24in) apart. Cuttings Softwood cuttings of the non-flowering shoots can be taken from late spring to early summer. Division The creeping root stock is easy to divide in the autumn.

Garden cultivation

Plant it in a sunny spot, in a well-drained poor soil; rich garden soil makes its already undisciplined habit impossible. Soapwort can become very invasive. Do not plant soapwort around fish ponds because the creeping rhizomes excrete a poison.

Pests and Diseases

Soapwort is largely free from pests and disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Take cuttings.

Summer: Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flowering and to prevent self-seeding.

Autumn: Divide established plants. Sow seed.

Winter: Fully hardy.

Harvest

Pick the leaves when required. Dig up the roots in the autumn and dry for medicinal use.

Container growing

Tumbling Ted is the best species for container growing. Use soil-based compost. Water well during the growing season, but only feed twice. In winter keep in a cold greenhouse with minimum watering.

Medicinal

It has been used not only for treating skin conditions such as eczema, cold sores, boils and acne but also for gout and rheumatism. It is probably effective because of the anti-inflammatory properties of its saponins.

Other uses

The gentle power of the saponins in soapwort makes the following shampoo ideal for upholstery and delicate fibers.

Soapwort shampoo

I5gm (½ oz) dried soapwort root or two large handfuls of whole fresh stems

3/4 liter (1 ½ pints) water

Crush the root with a rolling pin or roughly chop the fresh stems. If using dried soapwort, prepare by soaking first overnight. Put the soapwort into an enamel pan with water and bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to stand until cool and strain through a tine sieve.