Saponaria officinalis
Soapwort, Bouncing Bet
Caryophyllaceae
Perennials, Flowers
SAPONARIAGenerally low-growing European natives, closely related to Lychnis and Silene. Easy to grow in well-drained soil. Useful in borders and rock gardens.
Saponaria officinalisTo 2 ft. high,spreading by underground runners.Elliptical to ovate, darkgreen leaves. Loose clustersof inch-wide summer flowersin red, pink, or white. Rootscrushed in water produce adetergent-like lather. This is atough plant that has naturalizedin much of the West; before herbicides,it grew along railroadrights-of-way. ‘Rosea Plena’,with double light pink flowers,is the common garden form.‘Rubra Plena’ has crimsonblooms that pale as they age.
Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist' ('Covey')
Pinkish purple flowers held on weeping, contorted branches; best with afternoon shade.
Briza maxima
An ornamental grass ofdelicate, graceful form, thisMediterranean native is oftenplanted for its seed h...
Sedum cauticola
Native to Japan. Slowlyforms a mound 4–6 in. high, 1–1 1/2 ft. wide. Blue-gray, slightlytoothed leaves...
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