Flower Encyclopedia: Gypsophila
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| Scientific classification |
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Gypsophyla | |
Gypsophila is a popular flowering plant, more often seen in floristry than gardening. Most common in white form, it is also available in pink and a pale-shade of cream. The delicate, thin stems of gypsophila are covered with an abundance of small button-shaped flowers, each 3-10mm across, with five small petals on each.
The concentration of flowers on the stems depends on variety, but those used in floristry are often the bushy, flower-filled form.
A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, gypsophila is one of 2000 species of flowering plants, across 88 genera, which are members of this family. Bizarrely it is related to the carnation, to which is bears no resemblance, and also the firepink and campion. Other related species include stitchwort and chickweed, catchflies, knawels, pearlworts and sea-spurreys.
Available to the florist year-round, gypsophila was first grown in the UK in 1759, and continues to be grown commercially here today. It is also grown commercially on a large scale in Holland and Israel, and elsewhere in the world on a smaller scale. Examples of "small scale" gypsophila-growing operations can be found in such places as New Zealand, who sell almost exclusively to niche markets in Japan, Singapore, New Caledonia and the Pacific Islands.
As a cut-flower, assuming its drinking water is kept clean, gypsophila is a relatively long-lasting flower, often "out-living" the other flowers in a bouquet. It also makes a nice dried flower, looking almost as good "dried" as it does when fresh from the florist. Easily done, you can dry your own gypsophila by simply hanging it upside down in a warm dry place towards the end of its vase life.
In recent years, gypsophila has become known as somewhat "old fashioned". Popular through the 80's and early 90's, people often perceive gypsophila to be rather uncool in comparison to newer, trendier varieties of flower and foliage. That said, new techniques in floristry have led to somewhat of a revival for gypsophila - now incorporated into trendy table arrangements and wedding bouquets, for which they would once never have been considered.
Once used solely as a "filler" amongst - for example - red roses, and as extra bulk in cheaper, mixed bouquets, it is now being used to better effect. Gypsophila is even starting to take centre stage as the main flower focus of bouquets and arrangements. Trendy displays consisting of nothing more than gypsophila and a little foliage are very much in vogue at the moment, looking great as a table centre at a dinner party. It's true - now favored by celebrity and designer florists, the humble gypsophila has been given a new lease of life!
There are some 30 species of gypsophila, the botanical name for which means literally "lover of chalk". Gypsophila is often referred to as "gyp" for short, with the most common varieties being sharp-leaved gypsophila, bunge's gypsophila, fastigiate gypsophila, annual gypsophila, perfoliate gypsophila, Turkish gypsophila, alpine gypsophila, glandular gypsophila, dwarf gypsophila and common gypsophila.
The common and dwarf gyp varieties are the two favored by florists - both of which are frequently given the names "baby's breath" and "million star". This common variety is also popular with gardeners, however it is a perennial species, not an annual. For this reason, we would be inclined to suggest "annual gypsophila" for gardening which, as the name suggests, is an annual variety and will offer enjoyment year-on-year. All species of gypsophila die off above ground during winter, returning to full glory in the spring dependent on variety.
Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, most gypsophila species are found in calcium-rich soils, including gypsum, whence the name of the genus. It can reach 3 or 4 feet all and in recent years, the common gypsophila has become an invasive species in parts of North America. Depending on region, it may be illegal to grow this variety and as such, caution must be exercised in planting it.
Did you know?
In addition to the common names already mentioned, many florists have their own names for gypsophila. You will find that these vary based on locality too, and include such names as "gypsy" and "diamond spray".
The roots of some gypsophila species are rich in saponins, which are toxic. These toxins are not especially harmful to humans, but can have deadly consequences for fish and other marine life.
Gypsophila as a plant is able to withstand relatively severe drought conditions, has hermaphrodite flowers and is pollinated by insects.
