Have you ever heard of the Gypsophila paniculata? Do you know that it is about those twigs with white flowers that are often used in flower bouquets, offering volume and luminosity? So thats it.
Today we want to talk to you about this plant known as white foam or bridal veil, one of the most beautiful wild plants that you can find in the plant kingdom. Take a look at what we have prepared.
Gypsophila paniculata: Characteristics and benefits of this ornamental plant
The first thing you should know about the Gypsophila paniculata is that we are talking about a plant native to various parts of the world. Specifically from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Siberia.
In its natural habitat, this plant is usually in the steppes, and it adapts to both dry, stony or sandy soils, as well as limestone. Taking into account that there are more than three hundred thirty-five species of Gypsophila, having so many differ greatly in terms of care.
But in the case of the Gypsophila paniculata, on which we are focusing, its normal habitat is usually the one that we have told you about.
Physically, the plant can reach between ninety and one meter twenty in height. It is of the herbaceous type, so it does not grow anymore, and can be placed in the garden or in a pot. Of course, it has many bouquets, these composed of very small white flowers (because they are between three and ten millimeters in diameter). In fact, if you look closely you will see that each flower has five petals. There is another species, also paniculata, which can have pink (or pink and white) flowers.
Its flowering time is in summer, although when it is in a temperate or warm climate it could flower all year.
This can already give you an idea of what happens with low temperatures: the plant dies inevitably.
As for the stem, it is quite woody and has lateral branches even when it grows upright. But, when winter comes, even this one will disappear. for his part, the leaves measure about seven centimeters and are opposite. The shape they have is lanceolate.
Care and cultivation of Gypsophila paniculata: Everything you need to know
Now that you know more about Gypsophila paniculata, How about if you consider having it in your garden? As we have told you before, you can place it both in the ground and in a pot, and in both cases, as long as you comply with the care it needs, it will offer you a beautiful flowering during the summer.
But what to do? Here we explain it to you.
Location and temperature
The Gypsophila paniculata is a wild plant, and rustic we could say. That implies that it needs the sun to grow and develop. That is, you should put it in full sun without being afraid that the rays can burn it. Of course, the more sun and heat it is possible that more water is required.
Regarding the temperature, It is not a plant that will easily last all year. Normally, if the temperature falls below zero degrees, the plant will inevitably wither. It does not tolerate cold at all, quite the opposite of heat.
Substratum
If you want your Gypsophila paniculata to grow healthy and happy, then aim to use a soil with a pH between 6,5 and 7,5. Also, you have to make sure that the land where you are going to plant it is not saline. (nor does it have an electrical conductivity of more than 2mmhos/cm2.
You have to add drainage and organic matter, since it needs a good fertilizer (and a contribution of soil rich in nutrients) to carry out the flowering that it produces.
Irrigation
Regarding the irrigation of this plant, the truth is that it does not require too much water, but it does need frequent. Therefore, it is recommended to water in a spaced way but from time to time. Actually, it is done because this prevents the humidity from being too high (something that the plant does not do well at all).
For this reason, it is best that it be irrigated, either by dripping, or if it is not available, watering daily but very little each time.. In case you can't do it like this, water 3-4 times a week in summer. In winter it will not be necessary.
Of course, keep in mind that when the plant is small, micro-sprinkler irrigation is preferable because they dehydrate easily. And after a week you can switch to drip irrigation (or sprays).
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As we told you before, it is very important that you pay attention to fertilizing this plant often, especially to be able to carry out flowering, but also to encourage it to sprout again.
And yes, although the plant dies in winter, it could thrive if you take care of it enough. In fact, an organic fertilizer is used at the beginning of winter to protect and nourish the plant for spring (so that it sprouts). And then, with the irrigation water, some liquid fertilizer is added.
Plagues and diseases
We cannot say that the Gypsophila paniculata is a resistant plant, because although it is, it is affected by many pests and diseases.
Among the pests that you will have to be more careful with are the whitefly, leaf miners, air and soil worms, red spider mites, thrips and aphids.
And among the diseases, the most common are rhizoctonia solani, powdery mildew, Erwinia herbicola, Fusarium or Phytophthora.
Multiplication
The multiplication of the Gypsophila paniculata is carried out mainly by stem cuttings. So that these have a better chance of coming out, when they are cut they should be put in water until you see the roots come out.
And only when these are "enough" you can put it in a pot so that it thrives. Just so you know, they will take about a month to root (and as long as you add a little rooting agent to the water).
The cuttings must be between three and four centimeters and must contain at least three leaves (which you will not remove).
As you can see, the Gypsophila paniculata is a plant that you could consider to decorate your entire garden. Something like the bouquets themselves, only that bouquet will be your garden. You dare?