Overview
Gypsophila paniculata is a perennial in the genus Gypsophila, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Gypsophila paniculata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and ground cover. It is native to Europe and N Asia.
About
Gypsophila paniculata is a perennial that produces airy sprays of tiny white flowers and reaches about 1.2 m. It flowers from June to September and has a mild, sweet fragrance. It prefers full sun and soils that are well drained, from sandy to clay types. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gypsophila paniculata
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
Gypsophila paniculata is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe and north Asia that forms mounds of fine-stemmed growth topped by clouds of small white flowers. Plants reach roughly 1.2 m and flower from June to September; the blooms carry a mild, sweet scent and create an overall airy effect in summer. Grow it in a sunny spot with freely draining soil — it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they do not remain waterlogged. Soil should be moist but well drained; aim to avoid heavy, permanently wet conditions. The species is rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 4–10, so established plants tolerate typical UK winters. Use Gypsophila paniculata in mixed borders, as a ground-covering drift, or for cut flowers where its delicate sprays are used as a filler in bouquets and arrangements. Plant where its light texture can sit behind lower-growing plants or between clumps of stronger-coloured perennials to soften edges. The fine, branching flower sprays are what florists prize most, giving bouquets a lasting, cloud-like fill.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gypsophila
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Gypsophila paniculata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers, Ground cover
- Native to
- Europe, N Asia
- Fragrance
- Mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gypsophila paniculata
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can be grown from seed or division
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gypsophila paniculata?
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can be grown from seed or division.
Where is the best place to plant Gypsophila paniculata?
Gypsophila paniculata prefers full sun.
What soil does Gypsophila paniculata need?
Gypsophila paniculata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Gypsophila paniculata?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Gypsophila paniculata grow?
Gypsophila paniculata reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Gypsophila paniculata hardy in the UK?
Gypsophila paniculata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Gypsophila paniculata?
Seed, Division.
More in the Gypsophila genus
- Gypsophila 'Rosenschleier'Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila Super Time ('Esm Cold')Baby's-Breath
- Gypsophila fastigiata 'Silverstar'Fastigiate Gypsophila
- Gypsophila pacifica
