Overview
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' is a plant with a bushy, matforming, clump forming habit in the genus Gypsophila, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' is a mat-forming, clump-forming perennial in the Caryophyllaceae with semi-evergreen to deciduous foliage. It produces compact, well-branched mats on well-drained ground. Flowering runs from June to September, giving airy stems useful for cutting. It prefers full sun on neutral to alkaline chalk, loam or sandy soils.
About the genus
Gypsophila is a genus of flowering plants in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. They are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Turkey has a particularly high diversity of Gypsophila taxa, with about 35 endemic species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gypsophila", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gypsophila
In the garden
A cultivated form of Gypsophila fastigiata in the carnation family, 'Silverstar' grows as a low, mat-forming clump with semi-evergreen to deciduous leaves. The plant remains relatively compact and is suited to sites where low, spreading ground cover is required without invading taller planting. Sit 'Silverstar' in full sun on free-draining chalk, loam or sand with a neutral to alkaline pH; avoid waterlogged soils. It will tolerate both exposed and sheltered positions and is rated H4–H6 for UK hardiness, which corresponds to average through very hardy conditions, so it survives most British winters when given suitable drainage and sun. Plant on south-, west- or east-facing aspects for best flowering. Use this cultivar in gravel and rock gardens, tucked into the front of flower borders and beds, or where short-lived stems are needed for summer cutting. Flowering from June to September supplies long, delicate stems that suit airy summer arrangements and help tie low gravel terraces into surrounding borders.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gypsophila
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5, H6
Plant details
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar'
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to stem rots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar'?
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' need?
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' hardy in the UK?
Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar'?
Seed, Root cuttings.
More in the Gypsophila genus
- Gypsophila 'Rosenschleier'Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila Super Time ('Esm Cold')Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila pacifica
