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Max Frei is a vigorous hybrid soapwort that blooms in mid- to late summer with hundreds of quarter-sized pink flowers. It's a large scale groundcover with attractive deep green foliage. An uncommon perennial that deserves wider use.
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low
temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will
survive the winter temperatures in your area.
If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack
of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
6" tall x 18" wide (cutting propagated). Huge clusters of clear pink flowers cover the entire plant in late summer, adding clouds of color to your garden when many other perennials have folded their tents for the season. This variety has great hybrid vigor, getting bigger and better every year in our display garden. Plant around the base of Caryopteris (Blue Mist Spirea) for a spectacular combination. This is an easy-to-grow variety, needing only compost enriched garden soil and moderate watering. Needs to be used more; such a great plant! Can tolerate occasional foot traffic.
Flat of 32 plants will cover 48 square feet when planted together
More Information
Associated SKUs
HC016209 HC014267 (Plant - 2.5" Pot) - Out of stock. HC015762 (Tray of 32) - Out of stock.
Common Name
'Max Frei' Giant Soapwort
Botanical Name
Saponaria x lempergii 'Max Frei'
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Flower Color
Pink
Mature Height
6" tall
Mature Spread
18" wide
Bloom Time
Early summer to mid fall
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Average Soil, Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Easy To Grow, Low Maintenance, Fragrant Flower / Foliage, Good For Containers, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, Northeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest
Saponaria (Soapwort) - a large genus of wildflowers native to the Old World (Europe) and Asia with flowers in shades of pink and white.
Preferred growing conditions
Plant in most soil types including clay. Saponaria prefers to be planted in a full to partial sun location. In hot climates, afternoon shade is best.
Saponaria need regular watering to establish new transplants. But established plants are generally xeric (waterwise) and only need a good soaking every few weeks when conditions are dry. Rainfall is generally all they need in moister Eastern climates.
Mulch with common mulching materials except in moist climates where plants should remain unmulched.
Deadheading is recommended. Shear back the tops of the plants lightly to remove faded flowers and pinch the new grow to thicken up the plants. When using Saponaria. ocymoides as a large scale groundcover (lawn substitute), it can be deadheaded using a lawn mower set on high to keep the foliage looking tiding after blooming is done.
Fertilize lightly in the fall with a half and half blend of Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost.
Special comments
These are typically long lived perennials that don't need dividing.
Saponaria 'Max Frei' has a enormous thick roots that don't respond well to being divided or transplanted. Leave standing over the winter and cut back to just above the ground in early to mid-spring.
Saponaria ocymoides and cultivars are semi-evergreen and should be left standing over the winter months. Cut back any winter-killed branch tips in mid-spring leaving green stems and leaves.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
No longer available this season.
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.
Shipping Rates
Our shipping rates are calculated based on our actual average shipping costs. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door.
US Shipping Charges
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Canadian Shipping Charges
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$39.95
We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.
