Saponaria × lempergii 'Max Frei'
soapwort 'Max Frei'
A mat-forming semi-evergreen perennial, with grey-green foliage, reaching a height of 35cm. It displays five-petalled pink blooms throughout summer and autumn on hairy stems
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Saponaria can be annuals or perennials, with opposite, entire leaves and small clusters of pink or purple flowers in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a well-drained sunny spot, in pH neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Ideal for the front of a sunny border
Propagation
Divide congested mats in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free, although slugs and snails are sometimes a problem
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.