Gypsophila paniculata

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Gypsophila paniculata.jpg


Plant Characteristics
Habit   herbaceous

Height: 48 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 48.
Width: 48 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 48.
Lifespan: perennial
Bloom: early summer, mid summer, late summer
Cultivation
Exposure: sun, part-sun
Features: flowers, ground cover
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Flower features: red, pink, white
Scientific Names

Caryophyllaceae >

Gypsophila >

paniculata >


Gypsophila paniculata, commonly known as Baby's-breath, is a cultivated ornamental flower popular in the florist trade, and originally from Eastern Europe. There are some 55 species of Gypsophila found in Europe, Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. It is cultivated in Peru corresponding to a large portion of this country's flowers exports[1]. It belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae, which includes the common carnation. Its natural habitat is on the steppes in dry, sandy and stony places, often on calcareous soils (gypsophila = "chalk-loving"). Specimens of this plant were first sent to Linnaeus from St Petersburg by the Swiss-Russian botanist Johann Amman.

Several members of the genus have roots which are rich in saponins.[2] The saponins are being researched for their usefulness in treating leukemia and so far the research looks promising.[3]

Gypsophila paniculata is now widely distributed in North America.[4] It is classed as an invasive species in places[5] [6] [7]


Read about Gypsophila paniculata in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Gypsophila paniculata, Linn. Baby's Breath. Diffuse and rather tall-growing (2-3 ft.), forking: lvs. linear-lanceolate, the largest 3 in. long, but becoming smaller toward the infl., sharp-pointed: fls. white, very numerous; pedicels 2-3 times as long as the calyx. Eu.—A very popular plant, especially for use in the trimming of bouquets. A most graceful subject. Sts. stiff and wiry, therefore excellent for cutting. Var. fldre-pleno, Hort., with double fls. has been advertised, out is little known in Amer.In places where the double form is difficult of cult., it is recommended that it be grafted on roots of G. paniculata.


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 It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article.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

Propagation

Pests and diseases

Varieties

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References

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