Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Soap plant
Description
Soap plant is a bulb that grows 2-3' tall by 1.5' wide. It is a superb plant for evening flowers since the flowers only open late in the day or when it is very overcast. For a dramatic effect, plant in a meadow garden where it will go dormant during summer and fall. This easy to grow bulb has 2' tall spikes of small white flowers that bloom from May-August. Bulbs were an important food source for Native Americans and may be eaten when roasted. A California native.
Plant Type
Perennial, Bulb
Height Range
1-3', 3-6'
Width Range
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Rich, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Tropical, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Hanging Baskets
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers