Overview
Gypsophila pacifica 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 pacifica 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 pacifica is a mat-forming, clump-forming perennial in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae) that prefers well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils. It suits sunny, south-, west- or east-facing positions and copes with exposed or sheltered sites. Flowering occurs from June to September. The habit makes it a good fit for gravel and rock garden pockets or at the front of borders.
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 member of the carnation family and placed in the Gypsophila genus, Gypsophila pacifica forms low clumps and mats rather than rising into tall stems. The genus has its background in the Old World and contains many species adapted to open, rocky ground; G. pacifica follows that pattern by preferring free-draining soils. Plant it in full sun where chalk, loam or sandy soils provide neutral to alkaline conditions and do not hold moisture. Site choice should favour a south-, west- or east-facing aspect; the species tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations, which makes it suitable for exposed rock gardens and gravel banks. In UK hardiness terms it is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it will survive typical winter conditions across much of the country when sited where frost does not sit on waterlogged soil. Use in rock gardens, gravel areas or at the front of flower borders; stems are also suitable for cutting. Give plants a sunny, sharply drained position and avoid heavy, poorly drained ground. It flowers from June to September, supplying summer stems for summer arrangements and seasonal display.
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 pacifica 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 pacifica
- 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 pacifica?
Gypsophila pacifica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gypsophila pacifica need?
Gypsophila pacifica 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 pacifica hardy in the UK?
Gypsophila pacifica 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 pacifica?
Seed, Root cuttings.
More in the Gypsophila genus
- Gypsophila 'Rosenschleier'Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila Super Time ('Esm Cold')Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar'Fastigiate Gypsophila
