Common names: Soapwort, Soapwort, Soapwort
Scientific name: Saponaria officinalis
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Plant history & use:

Soapwort is used, as its name suggests, as a soap, shampoo and detergent. Soapwort is a native useful plant that in traditional Sweden was often used both for washing textiles and for personal hygiene. Today it is used in acne treatments.

The entire plant is useful, i.e. flowers, leaves, roots and stem. The soapwort contains fat-soluble substances that foam together with water. The highest concentration of the fat-soluble substances is found in the root. The foaming liquid can then be washed in, used as shampoo & soap or as a general cleaning agent.

Despite its toxicity, Saponaria officinalis is used in cooking. It acts as an emulsifier in commercial tahini production and helps create an airy foam in beer brewing. In the Middle East, the root is used as an additive in the manufacture of halva to stabilize the oils and give halva its unique texture. characterized by.

The flowers smell sweet in the evenings and are diligent when it comes to attracting pollinators.

Cultivation :

Since the Soapwort is adapted to the Swedish climate, there are no difficulties in growing it outdoors here. It thrives in most soils, slightly clayey soils work best. Sun/partial shade are good locations. Grows 30-100 cm tall depending on the growing location.

Soapwort can spread quite a bit via underground runners. So choose carefully where you plant it. Preferably fenced in and by itself if you don't want it to take over the crop.

Features :

Year: Perennial
Growing position: sun/partial shade
Height: 30-100 cm
Germination time: 1-3 months
Growing zone: 1-5