Baby's breath

Plant family

Pink or Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Germination temperature

18 - 20 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

0.2 cm

Instructions

Description

Gypsophila comes from the clove family (Caryophyllaceae). There are two perennial species that are relevant for our gardens: The giant gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata) and the carpet gypsophila (Gypsophila repens). The tall gypsophila is originally from the Rocky Mountains, but has also become wild in the wild on stony, sandy areas from south-eastern Europe to western Siberia. Carpets of cushion gypsophila can be found in the mountains of Central Europe, especially in the Alps and Pyrenees on nutrient-poor grasslands and gravel meadows. Over the course of time, the tall gypsophila grows into a semi-round perennial that reaches a height and width of one meter. As soon as the plant blossoms, it resembles a feathery white cloud with its hundreds of small flowers that bloom in the form of airy panicles on the branched stems. The carpet gypsophila, which is often used as a ground cover, is no less densely covered with flowers, but only reaches a height of around 25 centimetres above the ground. The flowering magic of the gypsophila lasts from June to September. There are very pretty varieties that bloom pink or have double flowers. The small leaves of the plants are lanceolate and gray-green to blue-green in color.

Growing tips

The botanical genus name reflects the gypsophila's preference for lime-rich soils. Gypsophila, also known as gypsophila, is made up of the Greek words "gypso" (gypsum) and "philos" (friend). It is very important for its well-being in the garden that the soil is permeable. This is because if moisture builds up, the deep taproots of the plants rot, especially in winter. According to its origin, the gypsophila loves lean substrates such as sand or gravel and warm, sheltered and sunny garden spots, although the cushion gypsophila likes its feet to be a little fresher and cooler.