GYPSOPHILIA

Gypsophilia 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. It's a very traditional flower and popular amongst florists as 'filler' flower in bouquets and flower arrangements. Gypsophila can enjoy a vase life of 7-10 days with proper care and handling and dries well. But the flower does entangle itself, and often you'll see customers struggling to pull a bunch out of the display in front of a florists shop. Newer varieties of gypsophila such as "Million Stars" are much easier to arrange as they do not become entangled.

Gypsophila has a chalky white flower, although cream and pale pink varieties are sometimes found. All year round. It has many slender branching stems, each bearing many tiny button-shaped flowers at the ends. The plant is native to Eastern Europe, right across the continent from the Mediterranean to Siberia. It was first grown in the UK in 1759 and is still grown commercially here, as well as in Israel and Holland.

Gypsophilia is a relative of the equally well known carnation, chickweed, and Sweet William.

Related Flowers : Gerberas or Germinis Flowers Everlasting Flowers Gladiolus or Gladioli Flowers Forget me not Flowers Gloriosas Flowers Geraniums Flowers Gladioli gladiolus Flowers Heleniums or Sneezeweeds Flowers Grapevines Flowers Heliconias Flowers