Saponaria officinalis aka Sweet Betty

Taxonomy

Genus Saponaria Family Caryophyllaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Saponaria officinalis, also known as common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, wild sweet William, and soapweed, is a common perennial plant from the family Caryophyllaceae. Its scientific name is derived from the Latin word sapo, meaning "soap", due to the saponins found in the plant sap that produce a lather when in contact with water. These saponins are contained in the roots at levels up to 20 percent when the plant is flowering, making it useful for cleaning but also potentially toxic. The epithet officinalis indicates its medicinal functions. Soapwort is native to Europe and can be found as a horticultural escape and noxious invasive in much of North America. It grows in cool places at low or moderate elevations under hedgerows and along the shoulders of roadways. The plant is often seen growing along roadsides, waste places, and railroad tracks. It is a common host plant for some moth species, including the white-lined sphinx. However, as a weed, bouncingbet or soarpwort is on the Colorado noxious week list B and is required to be either eradicated, contained, or suppressed depending on the local level of infestation. It spreads rapidly and replaces plants of greater value, making it a nuisance to many gardeners.

Common names

Sweet Betty, Soapwort, Common Soapwort, Bouncing Bet, Crow Soap

How to care for Sweet Betty

Difficulty

Sweet Betty is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Sweet Betty should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Betty loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Sweet Betty requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sweet Betty will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Sweet Betty is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Sweet Betty should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Sweet Betty’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and temperate Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Saponaria Genus

Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort

Saponaria pumila Niedriges Seifenkraut