Want a long-blooming, low-growing easy-to-grow, winter-hardy perennial? Look no further than Soapwort, Saponaria x lempergii 'Max Frei'.
You may already be familiar with the spring-blooming Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides). I grew it years ago and loved its warm, pink flowers. But, as things go, I got rid of it. I don't remember exactly why.
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| Saponaria ocymoides |
Back in 2013, while perusing Digging Dog Nursery's website I found 'Max Frei.' I liked that it was a summer bloomer instead of spring and I knew exactly where I wanted to grow it.
I have it cascading over a small rock wall, with a similarly colored hardy Fuchsia called 'Pink Rain' nearby.
The most challenging thing about this plant is trying to get my camera to capture the right color of the flowers. They're a more on the cool side.
'Max Frei' starts blooming in early July and goes until late summer. It doesn't need deadheading. It just blooms and blooms.
When it's finally finished, I just cut the whole plant back. Missouri Botanical Garden's website lists 'Max Frei' as being hardy in Zones 3-7 but I'm in Zone 8b and it does fine for me. I have it planted in morning sun and afternoon shade and I supply it with regular water.
Are you growing this sweet plant?
