Gypsophila aretioides 'Caucasica'

RHS Plant Profile

alpine baby's breath 'Caucasica'

Synonyms

Gypsophila aretioides 'Compacta'
Gypsophila aretioides var. caucasica

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A dense, cushion-forming evergreen perennial with grey-green leaves and small star-shaped flowers in summer. Ideal for the alpine house.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Tufted
Genus: Gypsophila can be annuals or perennials, sometimes evergreen, with narrow, greyish leaves and large sprays of small flowers
Name Status: Accepted
Plant Range: Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, preferably alkaline, sharply drained soil in full sun. Dislikes winter wet. Can be grown in pots

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in late winter. Take root cuttings in late autumn or winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Gravel garden
Rock garden
Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required, except dead heading

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem rots