Bouncing Bet

Posted by on June 8, 2009 at 11:00 pm.
Bouncing Bet

Bouncing Bet

Bouncing Bet,  or Soap Wort (Saponaria officianalis), is a fragrant perennial that blooms from late spring all the way until fall.  It likes morning sun and afternoon shade.  It is drought tolerant, but likes a bit more moisture if it can get it.  If it looks like the bloom is petering out, you can cut it back to encourage a second blooming.  It was originally from Europe,  but can now be found all over the U.S.

Bouncing Bet contains saponins which foam when mixed with water which makes a really cool make-shift soap, but it also makes this plant poisonous to animals that graze on it.  The seeds hold the most toxin, but the entire plant is poisonous.  Most animals will avoid it.  In fact, nothing seems to eat it in my garden – not even insects.

-- Weather When Posted --

  • Temperature: 85°F;
  • Humidity: 47%;
  • Heat Index: 85°F;
  • Wind Chill: 85°F;
  • Pressure: 29.87 in.;

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