Vaccaria hispanica Pink Beauty Seeds - Cow Cockle

The organic 'Pink Beauty' Soapwort is a variety of the species Vaccaria hispanica also known as the Cow Soapwort. This annual plant resembles baby's breath with its airy appearance and small flowers floating above grey-blue foliage. The plant is branched and produces small flowers in an old-fashioned pink colour on sturdy stems. It is easy to grow in full sun, in well-drained and moist soil. Sow continuously for a long-lasting flowering period, as each plant dies shortly after producing its seeds.

Vaccaria hispanica or Saponaria vaccaria or Vaccaria pyramidata is an annual plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family and native to Europe, commonly found throughout the Mediterranean basin. It is often found in hot and dry places, forming colonies on slopes and roadsides, in wastelands, plains, sandy areas, along rivers, and sometimes at altitudes up to 1500 m. The 'Pink Beauty' selection forms a well-branched plant with a taproot and thick stems reaching 60 cm in height. The leaves are simple and entire, sessile, ribbed, and opposite, with a grey-blue colour. Flowering begins in May and can last a long time depending on the regularity of sowings. Each flower has a long peduncle and a tubular calyx. The corolla consists of 5 petals with scales in the throat, ten stamens, and usually two styles. The fruit is a capsule with four valves. The swollen seed pods that follow the flowers are ornamental.

The organic 'Pink Beauty' Soapwort is highly suitable for cottage gardens or cutting gardens. It produces abundant graceful flower clusters from spring onwards. While it adds charm to a garden that embraces nature, it may not be suitable for small spaces. It can be paired with lovely wildflowers such as Ageratum, love-in-a-mist, Goat's Rue, Pyramidal Bellflower, and Dame's Rocket.