Family: Caryophyllaceae

Mostly native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, this genus comprises around 125 species of annuals and perennials. Generally in the US the perennials are more popular than the annuals and they are better suited to cool climates. G. paniculala and its cultivars are particularly popular. By continuously sowing the seeds of the annuals in the ground where they are to bloom, it is quite possible to have a show of these attractive plants in all but the coldest months of the year.

Species

G. elegans, zone 7, is a bushy annual, to 40 cm (16 in), with clusters of small, white flowers which provide a pretty display from summer to early autumn. Cultivar 'Grandiflora Alba' produces larger, white flowers; 'Rosea' has rose pink flowers; 'Purpurea' has small, purplish flowers.

G. muralis is a small annual, to 15 cm (6 in), with pink to white flowers.

G. panicu­lata is a perennial, to 1 m (3 ft), with white or pinkish flowers. The cultivar 'Compacta Plena' has double flowers in white to palest pink; 'Flore-pleno' has double flowers. The best of the double forms of G. paniculata is 'Bristol Faiy, which is very popular as a cut flower and often used in wedding bouquets.

G. repens grows to 15 cm (6 in), with white flowers. Cultivar 'Rosea' has deep rose flowers.

Cultivation

Gypsophila likes a full sun position, with shelter from strong winds. It prefers a limed soil, but will tolerate most soils, provided they are well drained. Propagate annuals from seed, sown in flowering positions from spring onwards. Perennial species are raised from seed sown in winter under glass, with a temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Climate

Zone 4, unless indicated otherwise above.