SAPONARIA CALABRICA. 
CALABRIAN SOAPWORT. 
Class. Order. 
DECANDRIA. TRXGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
CARYOPHILLEjE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
Calabria. 
6 inches. 
July, Sept. 
Annual . 
in 1830. 
No. 510. 
Saponaria, from the Latin sapon, soap, which al- 
ludes to a peculiar alkaline, or saponaceous quality, 
possessed by one or more of the species. Our Eng- 
lish soap wort has this peculiarity, whence it has 
sometimes been called fuller’s herb. 
This is a delightful little annual, which spreads 
over the surface of the ground, much in the same 
manner as Saponaria ocymoides, No. 165. Al- 
though its flowers, individually, be small, it forms 
at a short distance, splendid little patches of gaiety ; 
exhibiting one unbroken rose-coloured tint. It has, 
hitherto, been introduced to very few gardens; but, 
having proved so hardy, we hope to see it become 
a universal favourite. For the fronts of borders, 
small mounds, or artificial rock-work, it is peculi- 
arly desirable. 
The Saponaria Calabrica will flourish in any 
common soil, or situation ; and, generally, produces 
seed freely, but to guard against disappointment in 
this particular, a plant or two may be potted, and 
have protection when required. If sown in the bor- 
ders, in the latter part of April, it will flower in Au- 
gust, and continue till the setting in of winter. 
Don’s Syst. Bot. 1 , 397. 
