Soap Plant

This fascinating California native bulb is full of surprises and charm. Rising from a distinctive bulb wrapped in dark, fibrous coats, Soap Plant produces a rosette of beautifully undulating, blue-green leaves that hug the ground through winter and spring.

The real magic happens in summer when tall, slender stalks shoot up—sometimes reaching 3 to 8 feet—topped with delicate white starry flowers. True to its common name "evening snow," these enchanting blooms open in late afternoon and evening, creating an ethereal display that attracts night-flying pollinators like moths and bees in the fading light.

Historically, indigenous Californians valued every part of this plant: the bulb's saponins created a natural soap, the fibers were used for brushes, and the bulb itself was roasted for food. Today, it's prized for its drought tolerance and unique blooming habit.

Soap Plant thrives in full sun to part shade and goes summer dormant after flowering, disappearing completely until winter rains return. Perfect for naturalistic gardens, it adds unexpected drama and a touch of California history to any landscape while supporting native pollinators.