Quillaja Saponaria – 7.5 Litre

7.5 Litre Pot

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well drained
• Growth rate: Average
• Flowering period: March – April
• Hardiness: H3
• Eventual height: up to 20m
• Eventual spread: 6m

Quillaja Saponaria, commonly known as ‘Soap Bark Tree’, is a flowering evergreen tree native to the central and southern regions of Chile. The tree belongs to the family Rosaceae and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The bark of the tree is known for its high content of saponins, which have been used for centuries by indigenous people for their soap-like properties.

The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical in shape. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler and duller on the underside. The tree produces small, creamy white flowers in clusters during the Spring and Summer months. The fruit of the tree is a small, woody capsule that contains several seeds.

The bark is harvested for its saponins, which are used in the production of soap, shampoos, detergents, and other cleaning products. Saponins are natural surfactants, meaning they have the ability to reduce the surface tension of liquids, allowing them to mix more easily with other substances. This property makes saponins valuable as cleaning agents, as they can help to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from surfaces.

How to care for your Quillaja Saponaria

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy and compacted, you can amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: It can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it will grow best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Watering: The tree is drought-tolerant once established, but it will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Water deeply, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid over-watering.
• Fertilising: Does not require regular fertilising, but you can apply a balanced fertiliser in early Spring to encourage healthy growth.
• Pruning: You can prune in late Winter or early Spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches. However, the tree generally does not require extensive pruning.
• Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Overall, Quillaja Saponaria is a hardy and easy-to-care-for tree that can add beauty and interest to your landscape. With a little bit of care and attention, it should thrive for many years to come.