Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides) is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides).
This plant has several common names including: tumbling Ted, basil soap-wort or rock soapwort.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: tumbling Ted, basil soap-wort, rock soapwort
Scientific name: Saponaria ocymoides
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Mat forming
Height: Up to 10cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides) – Agnieszka KwiecieĊ, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Saponaria ocymoides likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Tumbling Ted (Saponaria ocymoides) – Agnieszka KwiecieĊ, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
