Gypsophila

Gypsophila

Gypsophila, known as phloem, is from the clove family. The perennial is native to southeastern Europe and Asia. In Poland we can find gypsophila growing wild especially in the lowlands, it is partially under species protection. It is definitely more common to find it in home gardens or in cultivation for live or dried bouquets. Its charming, small inflorescences are often used in floristry for all kinds of arrangements. Its voluminous appearance makes it a great "filler" for garden beds and floral compositions. Among the most popular varieties in Poland are gypsophila paniculata and gypsophila nadobna.

Gypsophila - plants charachteristics

Gypsophila paniculata or panicled gypsophila grows up to 120 cm tall and 100 cm wide. Its heavily branched stems are quite thin but stiff. Narrow, lanceolate leaves, arranged alternately, are arranged on them in small numbers. The greatest attention to the plant is attracted by the inflorescences, or rather their number. Although they are only up to 0.5 cm in diameter their multiplicity on the stems makes them resemble a charming white cloud. The flowering period is from July to early autumn.

Gypsophila - occurance & cultivation

Gypsophila pochodzi z południowo-wschodniej Europy i Azji. Można ją znaleźć dziko rosnącą na Kaukazie, w Mongolii, na Syberii i w Chinach (największy producent). Jako gatunek importowany o niewielkich wymaganiach, łatwo rozprzestrzenił się na całym świecie. W Polsce jej naturalnym siedliskiem jest Dolina Bugu, Nizina Podlaska. Gypsophila preferuje ciepłe, słoneczne stanowiska, przepuszczalną, lekką, raczej suchą glebę. Gipsówka jest rośliną mrozoodporną, choć w najzimniejszych rejonach Polski zaleca się okrywanie roślin na zimę. Należy unikać stagnującej wody i nadmiernego nawożenia. Największą zaletą rośliny jest obfite i efektowne kwitnienie, które trwa przez całe lato. Na jednej gipsówce w sezonie może pojawić się nawet 1000 kwiatostanów! Mało podatna na szkodniki, jest idealną rośliną dla początkujących ogrodników. Po przekwitnięciu należy pamiętać o przycięciu gipsówki, jej zdolności regeneracyjne sprawią, że szybko odbije jeszcze bardziej rozgałęziona.

How to use gypsophila? A florist's guide

Gypsophila is extremely valued in floristry. Its volume and cloud-like shape makes it readily used in bouquets as a filler. For years it reigned supreme in one of the most popular floral combinations, that is, a bouquet of red roses and white gypsophila. Currently, this version has been modernized, more species of flowers are used in compositions, but gypsophila is still at the forefront. It has been a very popular theme at weddings for many seasons. Brides are eager to choose gypsophila wedding bouquet, garlands, table decorations, and the tiny flowers allow to easily decorate also wedding stationery, i.e. vignettes and invitations. Stabilized gypsophila can also be met in communion garlands, usually accompanied by white blanket and hydrangea. The tiny inflorescences of gypsophila will also be a great material for creating jewelry from dried flowers, for example, embedded in resin.

The difference between dried and preserved gypsophila

You can dry gypsophila using the classic herbal method, that is, hanging it with the inflorescence down for about 10 days in a warm, airy, shaded room In the case of the herbal method, the stems of gypsophila remain stiff, and the inflorescences retain their white color. We can also stabilize gypsophila - the natural juices of the plant are replaced by a glycerin-based solution, the flower stalks are placed in a container with a previously prepared solution for about 14 days. Stabilized gypsum retains its intense color. However, note that under the influence of the stabilization process, the inflorescences may become creamy - this is natural in this case. In addition, its stems become flexible, we can easily prepare garlands, reeds and other decorations without much risk of breakage.