Saponaria ocymoides

The Saponaria ocymoides, also known as Montpellier Soapwort, is a small perennial plant with a creeping habit, forming a dense carpet of slender, cordate and villous leaves. From late spring onwards there emerges a profusion of small flowers in varying shades of pink and which completely cover the vegetation. Plant this fairly drought-resistant ground cover in rockeries, along pathways, on walls that it will happily climb. It thrives in sunlight and well-drained soils.

The false basil soapwort is a plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, which grows on rocky slopes and limestone rocks. It is a very hardy perennial herbaceous plant, that quickly forms a 15 cm (6in) tall and 15 cm (6in) wide carpet. Flowering occurs from May to July, covering its delicate foliage with clusters of small, flat, five-petaled flowers, varying shades of pink depending on the altitude and temperature range. They closely resemble those of Phlox or Silene.

Often used as a border or in rockeries, Montpellier soapwort thrives in these conditions. It is advisable not to plant the Montpellier Soapwart near delicate or slow-growing plants. It pairs well with roses, as it does not disturb their deep vertical roots. Combine this plant with Moss Phlox, Wall Pepper (Sedum acre), and Silene, which it complements, on dry stone walls, in rockeries, and sunny flower beds. The only concern with this plant would be its spreading habit. Therefore, give it some space and interplant with Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) to create pastel carpets at the base of shrubs or robust perennials.