Soapwort does come back every year. I have been growing soapwort in my garden for several years now, and I can attest to its ability to come back year after year. It is a perennial plant, which means it will continue to grow and bloom for multiple seasons.
One of the great things about soapwort is that it is a very low-maintenance plant. Once you have it established in your garden, it will continue to grow and flourish without much effort on your part. In fact, sometimes it can even be a bit invasive, spreading and popping up in unexpected places. But if you have the space for it, this can be a good thing, as it adds a lovely pop of color and fragrance to your garden.
To ensure that soapwort comes back every year, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to plant it in a suitable location. Soapwort prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does not like to be waterlogged, so be sure to avoid planting it in an area with poor drainage.
Once your soapwort is established, you can harvest and use all parts of the plant. The flowers, leaves, and stems can be trimmed and used fresh, or dried for later use. I personally love using the fresh flowers in arrangements and potpourri, as they have a delicate, sweet scent. The leaves and stems can be used to make a natural soap or shampoo, as soapwort contains saponins, which have natural cleansing properties.
If you choose to dry the soapwort for later use, be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer. I like to hang bunches of soapwort upside down in a cool, dry place until they are fully dry, and then store them in mason jars or other airtight containers.
One additional tip for ensuring that soapwort comes back every year is to save the seeds. Soapwort produces small, black seeds that can be collected and saved for planting the following spring. Simply allow the flowers to go to seed, and then collect the seeds before they scatter. Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
Soapwort is a wonderful plant that comes back every year. It is a low-maintenance perennial that can add beauty and fragrance to your garden. Whether you choose to use it fresh or dried, the flowers, leaves, and stems of soapwort have many uses. By planting it in a suitable location, harvesting and using its various parts, and saving the seeds, you can enjoy soapwort year after year in your garden.