Description
Gypsophila –
There are about 100 species of annuals and herbaceous, semi evergreen, or evergreen perennials, sometimes woody based, some cushion or mat forming plants, in this genus. They occur in alpine habitats, dry, stony slopes, or sandy steppes, usually on alkaline soils, from Eastern Mediterranean to the Caucasus, Central Asia, Northern Africa and Northwestern China. They are grown for their small, dainty, 5 petalled, star shaped to shallowly trumpet shaped, white or pink flowers, which are either carried singly or in spreading panicles. They have lance shaped to linear lance shaped, glaucous leaves, carried in opposite pairs. Larger species are useful annual or border plants, and provide good cut flowers. Alpine species are ideal for a raised bed, dry stone wall, scree bed, or rock garden.
Grow in deep, light, preferably alkaline, sharply drained soil in full sun. Most dislike winter moisture. Shelter from strong winds. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush.
Prone to crown gall, bacterial soft rot, crown rot and stem rot.
G. paniculata – Baby’s Breath – This short lived, tap rooted, herbaceous perennial from Central and Eastern Europe grows 3-4′ feet tall and wide. Branching stems forms an airy mound of linear-lance shaped, usually hairless, dark green leaves, 2-3″ long. In mid and late summer it bears numerous loose, many flowered panicles of tiny, trumpet shaped white flowers, to 3/8″ across.
Zones 5-9
