The Well-Tended Perennial Garden The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition

distraction from the foliage by others;
those in the latter camp may choose to
shear off the flower buds to prevent
flowering. Plants also tend to lose their
form if flowering is allowed. If buds
are not removed before flowering,
deadheads should be sheared off
before seed formation, and plants can
be shaped at the same time. Light
shearing throughout the summer can
help keep the plants in shape at the
expense of flowering, and this is
particularly useful if plants are being
utilized as a low hedge. Plants may not
tolerate hard shearing in the summer,
particularly in hot regions. Also avoid
any hard shearing after August so that
plants have a chance to harden for the
winter.
other maintenance Well-
draining soil is essential to survival.
Drought tolerant. May melt out in
humid conditions. Winter mulching is
beneficial in areas colder than zone 6.
related plantS Santolina chamae-
cyparissus var. nana is a 10-in. dwarf
form that holds its shape better than
the straight species.

Saponaria ocymoides
rock soapwort
c aryophyllaceae

Small deep pink flowers; small oval leaves

5–10 in. high; 12 in. wide

Full sun

Blooms May–June

Zones 3–7

pruning Plants should be sheared

back by half after flowering to keep

them full and compact. Sporadic

rebloom may occur. Shearing back

before seed set prevents self-seeding,

which can be troublesome in some

gardens. Do not prune for the winter.

Clean up any winter damage in the

spring as needed.

other maintenance Good

drainage, particularly over the winter,

is essential. Avoid overly rich soil,

which promotes rank growth. Divide

in the spring or autumn.

related plantS Saponaria

×lempergii ‘Max Frei’ flowers in

midsummer. Cut back by half to

two-thirds for sporadic autumn

rebloom.

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Saponaria ocymoides