Gypsophila

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General Description/History

Gypsophila is made up of many slender branching stems, each bearing many tiny button-shaped flowers at the ends. It is related to the carnation, which is not obvious from the flowers, but the relationship is evident when you look at the leaves, which are smaller versions of carnation leaves. Gypsophila remains a popular ‘filler flower’ in that it is used in an arrangement as an accompaniment for the focal flowers rather than as the main attraction. It is by far the most popular filler and is currently ranked as the 8th most sold flower on the Dutch Auction System. Flowers are cream, but occasionally white or pink varieties can be found.

Gypsophila is grown either in glasshouses or polyhouses, or in the field during the warmer months. During summer it is grown in WA, SA Vic, and NSW; in winter most supplies come from NSW and QLD.

What to look for

  • 1/3 to 1/2 of lower flowers should be open;
  • Avoid bunches with brown flowers;
  • Bunches should be in water as Gyp dries out fast.

Flower Care

  1. Keep cool whenever possible.
  2. Be very careful when breaking bunches apart as branches tend to cling to each other.
  3. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem.
  4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.
  5. Preservative is essential – the germicide is needed to keep water clean as gyp is very sensitive to dirty water.
  6. Replace water every day.
  7. Very sensitive to ethylene. Keep away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.
  8. Pinch off dead flowers.
  9. Do not mist as this can encourage fungal rots.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The botanical name means “lover of chalk” – as this is the sort of soil the plant likes to grow in. Its popular name, baby’s breath, gives an indication of its delicate airy appearance.

Interestingly for such a popular ‘traditional’ flower, there is no meaning for gypsophila in the Language of Flowers.

Botanical Name: Gypsophila paniculata

Common Names: Baby

Stem Length: 30

Country of Origin: Eastern Europe

Available Colours: Cream, Pink, White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber