Soapwort

SOAPWORT (SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS)

1 Healthy plant packed in plastic-free packing. A beautiful, useful herb with soft pink flowers and natural cleansing power.

Perennial | 60–90cm (2–3ft) | Full sun to partial shade | Natural soap-making

Soapwort is a charming and versatile herb, cherished for its soft clusters of pale pink blooms and its historic use as a natural soap. Found growing wild along hedgerows and riverbanks, it’s equally at home in cottage gardens, herb beds, or polycultures—where it gently spreads to form a low, flowering thicket that bees adore.

The plant contains natural saponins, particularly in its roots and leaves, which can be simmered in water to create a gentle, chemical-free lather—ideal for washing delicate fabrics or even as a mild shampoo. The sweet-scented flowers attract a steady stream of pollinators through summer and into early autumn.

As a permaculture ally, soapwort is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and thrives in a variety of soils. It helps fill out planting schemes with beauty and purpose, and can even be used as a ground cover in sunny or semi-shaded areas. A plant with old-world charm and modern relevance, perfect for the regenerative grower and the naturally curious gardener.