Saponaria Lutea

Saponaria lutea is a rare yellow soapwort of the south-western Alps, forming tight cushions of narrow grey-green leaves among exposed limestone rocks. In midsummer the mound carries small clusters of soft lemon-yellow flowers, an unusual colour in a genus better known for pink and white. Its miniature proportions and high-mountain origin make it an excellent trough or alpine-house subject. It tolerates severe cold but not stagnant moisture, requiring full sun, calcareous grit and a crown kept dry through wet winters.