Contents
Description
Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei is a low-growing perennial that spreads quickly and forms a dense mat of foliage. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and ground covers due to its attractive pink flowers and evergreen leaves. This plant is native to the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe and was introduced to North America in the 1970s.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Saponaria |
| Species | Lempergii |
| Variety | Max Frei |
Appearance
Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei has evergreen leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 1 inch long. The leaves are bright green and slightly hairy. The plant produces an abundance of pink, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Each flower is about 1 inch in diameter and has five petals. The plant grows to a height of about 6 inches and spreads to about 12 inches.
Care Guide
Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. This plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but can be fed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be attacked by aphids or spider mites. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet, so it is important to ensure good drainage.
Habitat
Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei is native to the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe, where it grows in rocky, well-drained soils. It has been introduced to North America and is commonly grown as a garden plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei is a great ground cover due to its low-growing habit and ability to spread quickly.
Q: Does Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei require a lot of water?
A: Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei prefers moist soil, but does not like to be waterlogged. It should be watered regularly, but not excessively.
Q: When does Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei bloom?
A: Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei blooms in late spring and early summer.
Q: Can Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Saponaria Lempergii Max Frei can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage.
Related Plants
- Saponaria ocymoides
- Saponaria officinalis
- Saponaria pumila
- Saponaria x olivana
References
- “Saponaria Lempergii ‘Max Frei'” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c550
- “Saponaria Lempergii ‘Max Frei'” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/276137/Saponaria-lempergii-Max-Frei/Details
- “Saponaria Lempergii ‘Max Frei'” North Carolina State University Extension, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/saponaria-lempergii-max-frei/
