SAPONARIA. Europe, Asia. Related to and somewhat resembling Dianthus. A group of tough, easily grown, and colorful plants, several of them perennial. Variable in habit and foliage, they are consistent in at least the form of the flowers; these have an inflated calyx and five usually notched, petals. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, moderate to occasional watering when established. Hardy to 0^oF or less.

x lempergii. A group of hybrids involving S. cypria and S. sicula (both known only to rock gardeners here). This may be the cultivar ‘Max Frei’ or a similar clone. The stems are trailing, forming a low mound up to 2’ wide. It is well dressed in dark 2" leaves. Large clusters of bright pink 1" blossoms cover the plant in summer and early fall. Shearing the spent flowers will promote further waves of bloom.

ocymoides. A trailing, profusely branched perennial, the slender stems crowded with small oval leaves. It is blanketed in spring by clusters of 1/2" rose-colored blossoms. The cultivar ‘Compacta’ is smaller and even more dense in growth. ‘Alba’ is typical of the species in habit but distinguished by pure white flowers. ‘Splendens’ is a modern seed strain with unusually large, dark flowers. From it I have selected plants for vegetative propagation. Suitable for small scale ground cover, foreground of the border, the rock garden and even hanging baskets.

pumilio (aka pumila). Dwarf soapwort. A low mat, much resembling Phlox subulata when not in bloom. The stems are short, prostrate, and crowded with very narrow, pointed, shiny leaves. In middle to late spring the plant is blanketed by bright pink, upfacing 1" blossoms. A beautiful rock garden subject.