Soapwort is a plant of the clove family. Its flowers are located in capitate inflorescences. The calyx is presented in the form of soldered leaves. Corolla color - pink, maybe white, and very rarely yellow color, consists of 5 petals. It bears fruit in a single-lobed capsule.
Today there are 3 dozen species known of this plant. Soapwort is common in the Mediterranean countries, Siberia and Asia. In Russia, soapwort has a little more than 10 species, the medicinal one is especially popular. It grows on the edges of forests and in the valleys of small rivers.
The rhizomes of this plant contain saponin. This is an excellent expectorant used for colds, which is used in the pharmaceutical industry for these purposes. Some species of soapwort are used and cultivated in floriculture.
Preparation and storage of soapwort
Collection of soapwort, especially medicinal one, must be done during the flowering period. As a rule, this is mid-June. Drying of collected specimens should be done very quickly. It is for this reason that artificial heating must be used, otherwise all the benefits will be lost. Drying is carried out at a temperature not higher than +50°C.
Also, the rhizomes of this plant can be harvested. You can collect them and in early spring, And late autumn. As a rule, this is done in both of these periods. Immediately after digging up the rhizomes, they must be cleared of pieces of earth. Then divide in half (with your hands or a shovel), spread on outdoors on a warm and dry day. Dry for about 1-2 days, then collected and placed in a fabric or paper bag.
Use in everyday life
The only purpose of soapwort in everyday life is to use finely chopped pieces of rhizomes, leaves, stems and flowers as soap. Take a little of the indicated mass in your hand, place it under a stream of warm water and the effect is obvious. It is especially recommended to wash your hands in this way after working with technical liquids, for example, machine oil, grease, etc. Some species of soapwort are used in floriculture. This rather pleasant-looking plant will diversify the flora of your garden plot.
Composition and medicinal properties of soapwort
- The aerial part of the plant in question is traditionally used in the manufacture of expectorants. To do this, all the moisture contained in the indicated parts of the soapwort is extracted using special technologies. The main purpose of such “moisture” is the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, and chronic cough. Hoarseness of breathing due to catarrhal symptoms is also excellently cured.
- Infusions from leaves are an excellent remedy for normalizing the metabolic process and for diseases. skin(psoriasis, eczema and furunculosis).
- Decoctions of soapwort help cleanse the blood; they treat rheumatism, joint pain, hepatitis, cholecystitis, stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and bloating.
- Traditional medicine uses soapwort components as a bile and diuretic, edema due to renal pathologies.
- They also remove stones from the gallbladder.
- Scabies, dermatitis, and scaly lichen are treated with soapwort tinctures.
- For a sore throat, it is recommended to gargle with soapwort tincture, and chew its root for acute toothaches.
The use of soapwort in folk medicine
Soapwort is one of the most valuable plants. The process of collecting the plant is simple, and traditional medicine recipes are easy to prepare. Let's look at the most popular of them.
Soapwort tincture for the treatment of furunculosis
Grind the root of the plant in question. Take 1 tablespoon of the resulting substance, place it in a 200 ml glass and pour boiling water over it. Cover with a saucer and let sit for 4 hours. It is necessary to consume 3 times a day immediately after meals, 2 tablespoons. The tincture should be stored in the refrigerator with the lid closed. The effect occurs 1 month after the start of the procedure. By the way, after 5-6 weeks of taking soapwort tincture, you should take a break for 2-3 weeks, then repeat the course.
Soapwort decoction for treating skin damage
It is necessary to grind the dry roots of this plant. Then take 2 tablespoons, place in a small saucepan and add 500 ml of water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over very low heat for 5 minutes. Then the specified broth cools down, filter it. Using a cotton swab, apply to the surface of the affected area of skin, then cover the top with a bandage or gauze bandage. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day, one of which must be done before going to bed.
Soapwort tincture for the treatment of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases
It is necessary to grind the dry soapwort root, then place 1 tablespoon in a glass. Pour this mixture with warm boiled water to the top, cover with a saucer and leave for 8 hours. Then take 50 g 4 times a day after meals. Just one prepared serving is enough for 1 day of intake. In the evening you need to prepare a new tincture for the next day. Repeat the procedure until the symptoms of the disease disappear. Store the tincture at room temperature in the same glass, covering it with a saucer. And preferably in a place protected from sunlight.
Soapwort decoction as a diuretic, choleretic and diaphoretic
It is necessary to grind the dry root of this plant. Place 50 g of this mixture in a small saucepan, add 1 liter of water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Then let cool at closed lid, strain and place in glass jar, be sure to cover with a plastic lid. Store the finished broth at room temperature. Take 150 ml 3 times a day without reference to meals. The procedure can be repeated for no more than 1 month with a break of at least 3 weeks.
Soapwort tea for treating cough in children
You will need 1 heaped teaspoon of finely chopped dry roots and leaves of the plant in question. Place it in a glass and pour 50 ml of cold boiled water. Leave for 5-6 hours, then bring to a boil (you can use a metal mug), let cool, and then strain. Now one cup of tea is ready. Drink 2 of these cups a day until the cough disappears. If a child is unwell (tea should not be given to children under 8 years of age), stop taking it.
Contraindications
The most poisonous part of the soapwort is its underground part - the rhizome. It is imperative to observe the dosage of using those preparations made on the basis of this part of the plant. At the first signs of abdominal pain, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, headaches and fever, consult a doctor and be sure to stop taking it in absolutely any doses.
The slight toxicity of soapwort obliges you to mandatory Consult with your doctor about the use of any drug based on this plant. It is also prohibited to be consumed by pregnant women and nursing mothers, children under 8 years of age, as well as in quantities exceeding the recommended amount by even 10-15%.
There are many plants in nature that can form foam. This is due to the presence of saponins in their composition - amorphous substances that are highly soluble in water and have the ability to produce foam solutions.
It turns out that the saponin emulsion literally pulls dirt out of clothes and linen: part of the molecule dissolves in water, and part in fat, forming compounds with microparticles of dirt that are easily washed out. Solutions containing saponins are used for washing and bleaching especially delicate wool, silk and other fabrics that are damaged by ordinary soap.
Elderberry, field weed - cockle, tinder fungus, horse chestnut, common bracken, common soapwort...
What do they have in common? These plants can replace soap.
Saponins are widely distributed in nature, they are found in leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits various plants. These are mainly plants that belong to the Liliaceae and Amaryllis families. Plants from the Solanaceae, Rannikaceae, and Clove families are also rich in them. These are plants such as soapworts ( Saponaria officinalis L), firecracker (Gypsophila paniculata), adonis (Lychnis), paniculate bream (Gypsophila paniculata), which have saponins in all their parts.
There are especially many saponins in the roots. Young plants have significantly fewer of them than old ones, and from the moment of flowering their number increases significantly. Saponins, unlike soap, do not create an alkaline reaction, which is a big plus.
Among the foaming plants in our area, the first place is taken by soapwort, which is also called “soap grass”, “red soap root”, “dog soap”. The name of the plant is due to the fact that when soapwort roots are rubbed with water, a lush foam is formed, which long time does not settle.
Dried and crushed rhizomes lather especially well, so they are prepared for future use: dried, ground into powder, diluted with water and washed or washed. After such washing, things become nice smell and there are no moths in them. Soapwort contains 32% saponin.
The process can be accelerated by heating the water: boiling a small amount of roots for several minutes. In the resulting “essence” you can wash, bathe, and wash your hair - for your own benefit and without harming nature. When washing your body with soapwort, you should not inhale or taste the foam, as it may cause sneezing.
The hernia is naked, popular name"dog soap" Grows on sandy soils, rocky slopes, along the edges of fields, in wastelands, on cliffs of river banks. Distributed throughout Europe. When rubbed with water, the leaves of the hernia glabra produce soap foam, which perfectly washes and softens your hands; you can wash silk and woolen items in it.
Adonis, white dawn - a plant of the carnation family, which is also called “wild soap”, “Tatar soap”, “boyar or lordly arrogance” - Lychnis alba. Lychnis from Greek word lychnos – lamp, torch.
The white flowers smell pleasant, bloom at night and are visible far in the dark. Its roots have been used since ancient times to eliminate grease during washing and remove greasy stains from clothes, as well as for washing hands. It is best to use powder from the roots of this plant.
Smolevka
Tar flapper belongs to the clove family. The white flowers of this plant have a swollen calyx that makes a good sound when pressed. Has a sticky stem. All parts of the plant, including the roots, are used as soap.
Licorice is also a foam-producing plant. The powder obtained from its roots is capable of producing abundant foam when combined with water.
The tinder fungus that grows on the trunks of larches is also used as soap; it is called the “leaf sponge.” Only the inner fabric is used for washing.
In Rus' it has long been used instead of soap. Its underground parts contain a lot of potassium. The rhizomes lather well and are absolutely harmless.
Soap tree, which is native to Kentucky, but is sometimes found in Ukraine. It is called the Kentucky coffee tree and was brought to the Soviet Union in the 60s of the twentieth century. How decorative tree for decorating cities. But it has not become widespread in landscaping and therefore today it is found in green spaces in the form of single specimens.
Bunduk is very similar to acacia (Gledicia) external form fruits and leaves, only the leaves of Bunduk are larger than those of acacia. This plant belongs to the legume family.
The green mass in the fruits is lathering at Bunduk's.
Nice smell! The pods hang on the tree all year round - you need to wash your hands, pick mine too. Perfectly removes grease. You can use it to wash your face, wash your hair and wash your clothes. The fruit is shaped like a dumpling. The entire space inside the “dumpling” is filled with a pleasant shade of green thickened mass - like concentrated shampoo. This shampoo is soap. This plant, although a tree, is a legume. It is a relative coffee tree, and its fruits are used as a coffee substitute.
Horsetail in Rus' for a long time was used exclusively for economic purposes. A decoction of its roots was used to dye wool, and the herb was used to polish stones, polish metals, clean pewter dishes or ordinary smoked dishes. kitchen utensils, even wooden floors were washed white. And the secret of the cleaning properties of horsetail was the presence of silicic acid in its stems. It was thanks to this substance that horsetail turned out to be beneficial for health and found its way into the pages of herbalists.
When autumn comes, you can use it to wash your hands and feet. fruits of the horse chestnut, they also wash stains on clothes well.
And here mustard You can not only wash your hands, but also wash woolen items (and only woolen items). Mustard powder is diluted in warm water, soak things and wash them after half an hour. It is advisable and useful to drain the water after washing and washing onto the beds. Mustard perfectly washes away fat. After washing, there are no chemicals left on the dishes that can be eaten.
Berries red elderberry Any dirt is washed off.
You can find a weed in the field cockle, it can also be used instead of detergents.
Soap root is obtained from plants of different families: swing the paniculata
Saponaria officinalis L.
Poisonous plant
Family: Caryophyllaceae.
Parts used: rhizomes, roots, leaves.
Common name: soap grass, cuckoo soap, dog soap, cleanse.
Pharmacy name: soapwort herb - Saponariae herba (formerly: Herba Saponariae), red soapwort root - Saponariae rubrae radix (formerly: Radix Saponariae rubrae).
Botanical description
Perennial spore plant, up to 100 cm in height. The rhizome is thick, knotty, red-brown, covered with the remains of last year's leaves.
The leaves are elongated-lanceolate, dark green, large, opposite, with three longitudinal prominent veins.
The flowers are large, whitish-pink or white with notched petals.
The fruit is an oblong-ovoid capsule. Flowering in June - August, seeds ripen in September.
It is found almost throughout Russia. Terry forms are bred as ornamental plants. It grows in forests, among bushes, and sometimes along the banks of reservoirs. Prefers moderately shaded areas with moist loams and sandy loams. It grows scatteredly and in clumps, often abundantly.
Collection and preparation
Leaves are collected in June - September, roots and rhizomes - in late autumn. They dig with shovels, shake off the soil, cut off leaves, roots and dead parts of rhizomes. Thick rhizomes are crushed, then air-dried and dried in ovens or dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40 C. Dry rhizomes have a weak, uncharacteristic odor and a sweet-tart taste. Shelf life 2 years.
Active ingredients
Medicinal raw materials are all parts of the plant, especially rhizomes and roots; they contain saponins (up to 20%), which produce soap-like foam with water, as well as the glycoside saponarin, pectins, and ascorbic acid. In addition, the roots contain carbohydrates (gentiobiose, saponarosis, oligosaccharide), tannins, essential oil, mucus, resins, mineral elements(calcium, copper, manganese, zinc, etc.). The leaves contain flavone tlicoside – saponarin, ascorbic acid. A flavone glycoside was also found in the herb.
Healing effect and application
Soapwort has expectorant, antitussive, choleretic, diuretic and diaphoretic effects. As well as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antirheumatic and laxative effects.
Common soapwort is widely used in folk medicine, it improves metabolism in the body, enhances expectoration (dissolving thick phlegm and mucous secretions), increases the secretion of sweat and urine, stops heartburn and nausea and has a mild laxative effect. It is used for bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough, diseases of the stomach and intestines, especially flatulence (bloating), nausea, diseases of the liver, spleen, as well as rheumatism, joint diseases and gout. Also taken orally skin diseases associated with metabolic disorders: various rashes, scaly lichen, furunculosis. Internal use Soapwort officinalis, as poisonous plant, requires caution.
Crushed roots with water produce soap foam and are used to wash wool and silk fabrics.
Contraindications
The plant is poisonous, take strictly under medical supervision.
Soapwort - this name has been familiar to us since childhood. At my grandmother's in the village, you could dig up an inconspicuous flower, wet its root and watch how a foam similar to soap formed. Indeed, the plant cannot be called ordinary. It's not only charming flower decorating our gardens, but also medicine, as well as raw materials for the cosmetics industry. In addition, soapwort is famous for its unpretentiousness, so even an inexperienced novice gardener can grow it on their own plot.
In decorative floriculture, the plant is used most often as a perennial, beautifully flowering ground cover, and the first varieties of soapwort were bred back in late XVII century. Its bright, dense inflorescences of pink, purple or cream tones are crowned with thin shoots, decorated with a mop of delicate rich green leaves.
Soapwort is a name derived from the literal translation of the Latin word “sapo” - soap. The second, less common name of the perennial is saponaria. Among the people, the flower received several nicknames: “soap root”, “dog soap”, “cleanness”, “white carnation”.
As mentioned above, saponaria has received widespread practical use, based on the properties of saponin - an organic compound found in roots, shoots and leaves:
- First of all, soapwort is known as a medicinal plant, rich in vitamins and beneficial organic compounds. Decoctions and infusions taken orally treat metabolic disorders, diseases of the stomach, intestines, and lungs. The plant is famous for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and laxative properties. The pulp from the leaves and roots is also used externally to treat dermatitis, eczema and scaly lichen.
[!] Before treatment with soapwort preparations, consult your doctor! The plant is poisonous; incorrect dosage can cause poisoning, manifested in nausea, vomiting and headache.
- Saponaria is also used to treat domestic animals as an anthelmintic.
- IN household chemicals saponin is used as a stain remover and detergent for delicate fabrics.
- Halva and Turkish delight are prepared from some types of plants.
- In addition, soapwort is used in cosmetics based on organic and herbal products.
This is so unusual, beautiful and useful plant you can plant on your site. But to create for soapwort best conditions, it’s worth getting to know her better.
Botany classifies the genus Saponaria (lat. Saponaria) as a member of the large family of cloves (lat. Caryophyllaceae), and its closest relatives are the well-known carnation, adonis and gypsophila. All species combined into a genus have several common characteristics. This herbaceous plants, perennial, less often annual, with erect stems and opposite leaves various shapes: lanceolate, oval, spatulate, etc. The flowers, depending on the variety, are colored in shades of pink, white, lilac, red and are collected in inflorescences in the form of a shield or panicle. The total height of soapwort varies between 5-80 cm.
In nature, saponaria is found mainly in the mountainous regions of Europe (Alps, Pyrenees), on the Mediterranean coast and in Asia Minor. In Russia individual species soapworts grow in the European part of the country, the mountains and foothills of the Caucasus, as well as in Siberia.
Types and varieties of soapwort
The total number of species that make up the genus Saponaria is not so large - about 40. And even fewer are adapted to the conditions ornamental cultivation. To date, no more than 10 species have been cultivated, but work on plant selection continues. The most popular types of soapwort among gardeners are:
Soapwort officinalis(lat. Saponaria officinalis). A tall (up to 90 cm) plant with numerous densely leafy branched stems, bare or covered with short hair. The shape of the leaves is oblong-oval. Large five-petaled flowers are collected in inflorescences, their petals are painted in various shades of red, pink and white.
The species has become widespread as an ornamental and medicinal crop and is found everywhere in personal plots middle zone Russia. It's big flowering plant Not only does it look impressive, but it also has an easy-going disposition, without causing much trouble to its owner. Besides medicinal soapwort It smells great, attracting the insects that pollinate it with its delicate aroma.
The most popular varieties of Saponaria officinalis are:
- "Flore Pleno" (Flore Pleno) - distinguished by delicate, creamy-pink, double inflorescences.
- "Betty Arnold" (Betty Arnold) - double, snow-white flowers on long stalks.
- "Variegata" (Variegata) - variety, main value which has leaves decorated with a variegated pattern of shades of green.
- 'Dazzler' is another variegated variety with pink flowers.
M. "Flore Pleno", M. "Betty Arnold", M. "Variegata" - “Alba Plena”, “Rubra Plena”, “Rosea Plena” (Alba Plena, Rubra Plena, Rosea Plena) – group decorative varieties with dense dense inflorescences of different shades: white, pink, purple.
M. "Alba Plena", M. "Rubra Plena", M. "Rosea Plena" Soapwort basilicofolia(lat. Saponaria ocymoides) - a classic, unlike the previous species, ground cover, maximum height which is only 20 cm long. Soft long shoots spread low along the ground, forming a soft plant cushion. The elongated leaves have a bright green tint, and pink-red fragrant inflorescences densely cover the ends of the stems. This beautifully flowering perennial came to us from Southern Europe, taking root well in our conditions.
The most common varieties:
- "Rubra Compacta" (Rubra Compacta) - beautiful, bright pink inflorescences, densely covering the shoots.
- "Splendens" (Luxury) - a variety similar to the previous one, but with more delicate shade petals
- "Snow Tip" - snow-white flowers on a bright green background of leaves and shoots.
M. "Rubra Compacta", M. "Splendens", M. "Snow Tip" Soapwort Olivana(lat. Saponaria x olivana). Hybrid view, bred specifically for landing on alpine roller coaster. This is a very low (no more than 10 cm) plant, forming spreading green curtains with a diameter of at least 20 cm. Large five-petal flowers growing from a goblet-shaped bowl are decorated with pink or purple petals.
Soddy soapwort(lat. Saponaria caespitosa). A beautiful ground cover perennial with a woody base. The total height of the plant is 7-15 cm, the leaves are smooth, elongated, the flowers with oval petals are pale pink in color. Due to its small size, like the previous species, it is excellent for planting in rock gardens.
Soapwort Lemperji(lat. Saponaria x lempergii). Hybrid form, characterized by medium (up to 40 cm) sizes. Erect, highly branched shoots are decorated with long narrow leaves and single five-petaled flowers, the shade of which varies from light pink to deep lilac.
M. Olivana, M. soddy, M. Lemperji Unfortunately, the seeds of only two soapworts are found on sale: officinalis and basilica. The rest are not very common in our country and are rather exotic, inaccessible to a wide range of gardeners.
Using soapwort in landscape design
How exactly to decorate your garden with soapwort depends on the type of plant being planted. For example, medicinal saponaria is quite large in size, so it can be planted in the vicinity of equally tall perennials, both beautifully flowering (phlox, dahlias, aconites) and decorative foliage (ferns, ornamental asparagus). In the first case, flowers of different shades and shapes will create a bright pattern, and in the second, delicate soapwort inflorescences will stand out against the background of rich greenery.
[!] Valuable varieties Saponaria officinalis can also be used for cutting and for bouquets.
Soapwort basilicofolia and others low-growing species, are planted primarily as ground covers. These plants look especially impressive on alpine hills, in borders and ridges, as well as in landscape compositions using stones. Plant partners in such plantings can be other drought-resistant plants. ground cover perennials: iberis, .
Some useful tips for those who decided to decorate their garden with a useful, beautiful soapwort:
- Saponaria reproduces well by self-seeding, therefore, in strictly defined landscape compositions, the spontaneous growth of the perennial should be limited, preventing the seeds from maturing.
- Soapwort does not tolerate high groundwater. Planting a plant on the shore of a body of water is a bad idea. And if aqueous layer lies close to the surface of the earth throughout the entire area, the flowerbed with ground cover needs to be raised slightly by creating an embankment or slide.
Soapwort: cultivation and care
Saponaria can be attributed to that group decorative perennials, which do not require any special conditions. If there is no time for careful care, soapwort can be planted and forgotten about, and even then the unpretentious green beauty will bloom regularly, pleasing the eye bright colors.
However, there are still some subtleties of caring for a beautifully flowering ground cover.
Location, soil
You can grow soapwort in almost every corner of your garden, the plant will take root both in open sun and in partial shade. The only exception is heavily shaded areas; in such places, although saponaria will grow, it will bloom sparingly, and its shoots will stretch out unattractively, trying to find the sun. It is best to plant the perennial in the brightest southern area; saponaria is not afraid of burns and will feel great under the hot rays of the sun.
When planting soapwort, you should pay attention to the composition of the substrate. In nature, the plant can often be found in mountainous areas, where the soil is poor and rich in lime. And in our gardens, on the contrary, the soil is fertile and rich in humus. To make it more loose (water- and breathable) before planting saponaria, you should add a certain amount of clean coarse sand or small stones.
Soils that are too acidic and unsuitable for planting soapwort can be limed. For this they use lime fertilizers(dolomite, calcite, slaked lime), introducing them once every 5-6 years in spring or autumn. As a result of liming, high acidity is not only neutralized, but also the calcium content in the substrate increases, which has a beneficial effect on plant health.
Watering, fertilizing
Soapwort, like everyone else alpine plants, V large quantities does not need moisture. Moreover, excess stagnant water can cause root rot. That is why there is no special need to water the saponaria; rain is enough for it.
The same applies to feeding the plant - saponaria receives all the necessary minerals from the soil. Thoughtless application of fertilizers will only harm the perennial. For example, too much will lead to rapid growth green mass to the detriment of flowering.
Flowering, shaping and pruning
Soapwort has one undeniable advantage - the plant is able to bloom almost all summer. The first buds appear at the end of June, and the last at the end of August. In order for the perennial to bloom again, faded shoots can be removed, thus stimulating the appearance of new ones. In addition, timely removal of flower stalks will prevent the formation of seeds and will not allow soapwort to spontaneously reproduce by self-seeding.
At the end of autumn, after the first frost, the shoots of saponaria need to be cut off, this will help the plant prepare for the onset of cold weather.
Another feature of soapwort is that old (5-6 year old) specimens lose their decorative look: the shoots grow and become bald, and the dense curtains fall apart, revealing ugly bald spots in the center. Such plants should be rejuvenated by dividing them or rooting cuttings.
Wintering
Saponaria resistance to winter frosts depends on its type. So, for example, Soapwort officinalis can withstand cold temperatures down to 30°C, and Soapwort basilica is much less frost-resistant and northern regions, as a rule, freezes out.
[!] When growing basilica saponaria in areas with harsh winters, its flower stalks should not be trimmed. Even if the plant freezes, the ripened seeds will produce new young shoots next year.
To avoid damage, especially valuable, rare varieties of hybrid soapwort can be covered for the winter. Dry fallen leaves, spruce branches or special covering material are suitable for this.
Reproduction
It is very easy to propagate saponaria, you just need to choose the most convenient way from several. You can get young perennials using:
- seeds,
- Cherenkov,
- root division.
Seeds
Soapwort seeds are quite often found on sale. They are sown:
- In October, in open ground;
- In March for seedlings;
- In May in open ground.
If possible, it is better to sow in the fall. This way the seeds will undergo natural stratification (hardening) and will sprout more easily in the spring. However, it is not forbidden to plant soapwort seeds in the spring, especially since they go on sale already prepared.
Whatever method you choose, the agricultural technology for sowing saponaria is the same. First of all, you need to mix the soil with a small amount of sand, making it looser, and gently moisten it with a spray bottle. Then the seeds need to be scattered over the surface of the substrate and sprinkled with clean, dry sand on top. It is not worth planting the seeds deep; due to their microscopic size, they may not sprout. The optimal temperature for sprouts to appear is 20-22°C.
After 3-4 leaves appear on the seedlings, the seedlings must be planted in open ground (if they were sown as seedlings) or thinned out. The distance between individual specimens should be at least 30 cm. In the future, the bushes will grow and cover the entire free area of the ground.
Cuttings and root division
Saponaria can be propagated in other ways, for example by cuttings. To do this, in spring or early summer, before flowering, cut apical cuttings, from which they are removed lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 top ones, and then plant them in a shaded place. After the roots appear, the cuttings are carefully dug up and, together with a lump of earth, moved to a permanent place.
You can divide the root of an adult soapwort not only for the purpose of its propagation, but also in order to rejuvenate the plant. The procedure is very simple: the perennial is carefully dug up, the excess soil is shaken off, after which the root is cut into 2-3 parts using a sharp knife. Each part must contain a certain number of roots and at least one growth point. The separated plants are replanted in the substrate in a permanent place.
Pests and diseases
Among the diseases, one can note a fungal infection that leads to leaf spotting. In addition, due to excessive watering, root rot can develop, spreading to the above-ground part of the perennial. In both cases, the affected parts should be destroyed, and if the disease progresses, then the entire bush.
Other insects or diseases are practically not scary for soapwort and appear very rarely.
Soapwort is a wonderful representative of the kingdom of Flora. It blooms all summer, delighting the eye with bright colors, does not require special conditions and does not annoy the gardener with its whims. In addition, saponaria has medicinal properties and wonderful aroma. Without a doubt, this plant deserves the closest attention and is worthy of wide distribution in our gardens.
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