Gypsophila

Gypsophila subsp. var.	Babys breath
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	Caryophyllaceae > Gypsophila var. ,

Gypsophila (pronounced /dʒɪpˈsɒfɪlə/)—commonly known as Baby's-breath in the United States and Canada, "soap wort"^{[citation needed]} in the United Kingdom, elsewhere Gypsophila—is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe, Asia and north Africa. Many species are found on calcium-rich soils, including gypsum, whence the name of the genus. Some species are also sometimes called "baby's breath" or simply, "Gyp", among the floral industry. Its botanical name means "lover of chalk", which is accurate in describing the type of soil in which this plant grows.

They are herbaceous annual and perennial plants growing to 5–120 cm tall. The leaves are opposite, linear to narrow triangular, often falcate (sickle-shaped), 1–7 cm long and 2–8 mm broad. The flowers are produced in large inflorescences, which may be either dense or open and lax; each flower is small, 3–10 mm diameter, with five white or pink petals.

Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Gypsophila (gypsum-loving, because it likes calcareous soils). Caryophyllaceae. European and Asian herbs, bearing a profusion of small flowers, and useful for mist-like effects in mixed borders and as trimming in bouquets. Sepals 5, united below, but the calyx naked at the base (not bracted, as in some related genera) 5-nerved; petals 5, clawed, very small, usually white, in some horticultural forms pinkish; stamens 10; styles 2: pod 4-valved: lvs. small, entire, opposite.—Perhaps 75 species. Very branchy or spreading, slender herbs, with scant foliage when in bloom. Of easiest cult, in open, rather dry places. They are desirable for rock- work. They make an excellent effect as filling amongst shrubbery; also good for covering unkempt places with a mass of delicate bloom. Hardy. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

Cultivation

Gypsophilas are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens; they are grown both as garden plants and also valuable as a cut flower in floristry to add as a filler to flower bouquets. The most commonly encountered in gardens are G. paniculata (a perennial species), G. elegans, and G. muralis (both annual species). They are easily propagated from seed, by cuttings, or by root division before growth starts in the spring. Starting as a tiny seed, the annuals and perennials germinate in ten to fifteen days, and can grow rapidly up to 50 cm in height. While they prefer full sun, along with rich, light soil, deficiencies in poor soil constitution can be overcome by adding a general purpose fertilizer, as long as it is well drained.

Varieties

Selected species

• Gypsophila acutifolia - Sharp-leaved Gypsophila
• Gypsophila altissima
• Gypsophila aretioides
• Gypsophila arrostii
• Gypsophila bicolor
• Gypsophila bungeana - Bunge's Gypsophila
• Gypsophila capituliflora
• Gypsophila cephalotes
• Gypsophila cerastioides
• Gypsophila davurica
• Gypsophila desertorum
• Gypsophila elegans
• Gypsophila fastigiata - Fastigiate Gypsophila
• Gypsophila huashanensis
• Gypsophila licentiana
• Gypsophila muralis - Annual Gypsophila
• Gypsophila nana - Dwarf Gypsophila
• Gypsophila oldhamiana
• Gypsophila pacifica
• Gypsophila paniculata - Common Gypsophila
• Gypsophila patrinii
• Gypsophila perfoliata - Perfoliate Gypsophila
• Gypsophila petraea
• Gypsophila pilosa - Turkish Baby's Breath
• Gypsophila rokejeka - Soap root
• Gypsophila repens - Alpine Gypsophila
• Gypsophila scorzonerifolia - Glandular Gypsophila
• Gypsophila sericea
• Gypsophila spinosa
• Gypsophila tenuifolia
• Gypsophila tschiliensis

Gallery

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External links

• w:Gypsophila. Some of the material on this page may be from Wikipedia, under the Creative Commons license.
• Gypsophila QR Code (Size 50, 100, 200, 500)