Nearly Native - European Garden Plants – Gypsophila

Name - the botanical name means ‘lover of chalk’ - as this is the sort of soil the plant likes to grow in. Its popular name, Baby's Breath, gives an indication of its delicate airy appearance.

Description - Gypsophila has many slender branching stems, rather like umbels but less regular, each bearing many tiny button-shaped flowers at the ends. Generally it has a white flower, although cream and pale pink varieties are sometimes found.

Origin - It was first grown in the UK in 1759 and is still grown commercially here, as well as in Israel and Holland. The plant is native to Eastern Europe, right across the continent from the Mediterranean to Siberia which makes it odd that it’s such a frost hater! Often this means the plant is best grown as an annual from seed and not set to germinate until after the last frost. Bizarrely, this plant is a relative of the equally well known carnation, which means it likes full sun but will tolerate partial sun. It prefers rich, light soils, and is not fond of clay or dry conditions, so add a general purpose fertilizer before planting if the soil is poor. The plants rapid growth demands means that they must be watered regularly during dry periods.

For Decoration – very long lasting in water that is changed daily but prone to tangle with other flowers in mixed arrangements.

European gypsophila photograph by jam343, used under a creative commons attribution

 

© blueworldgardener.co.uk