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Gypsophila L.

Caryophyllaceae

  Gypsophila paniculata 'New Love': stem  
Alternate trade names

gyp

Common names

baby's breath

Species cultivated

Gypsophila paniculata L.

G. elegans Bieb.

G. oldhamiana Miq.

'Million Stars', 'New Love', and 'Perfecta' are among the most popular cultivars.

Origin

Eurasia.

Brief characterization

Highly branched panicles on leafless stems, bearing numerous small flowers; calyx tube scarious, with 5 green-veined lobes; 5 petals (in single flowers); 10 stamens.

Unlike other members of Caryophyllaceae (such as Dianthus (carnations), Gypsophila petals have little distinction between claw and limb.

Cultivar and/or species variation

Panicles loosely to densely branched; flowers single, or more commonly, double, petals ca. 0.2-1.5 cm long, possibly longer in some cultivars, usually white or pink.

May be confused with

Limonium (Misty cultivars), Trachelium

Countries exporting

Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Gypsophila paniculata 'New Love': inflorescence, closeup

Gypsophila paniculata 'New Love': double flowers


 
Gypsophila paniculata 'Million Stars': stem
 
Gypsophila paniculata 'Gilboa': stem
Photo: © California Cut Flower Commission

Gypsophila paniculata 'Million Stars': inflorescence, closeup

Gypsophila paniculata 'Million Stars': double flowers

Gypsophila elegans: stem

Gypsophila elegans: inflorescence, closeup


 
Gypsophila elegans: single flower, face
 
Gypsophila elegans: single flower, calyx

Gypsophila oldhamiana
Photo: © K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.

Gypsophila elegans 'White Elephant'
Photo: © K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.

Gypsophila elegans 'Viscosa Rosea'
Photo: © K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.
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