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Gypsophila paniculata - L.

Common Name Baby's Breath
Family Caryophyllaceae
USDA hardiness 4-10
Known Hazards Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus has a root that is rich in saponins[2]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm[65]. They are also broken down by heat so a long slow baking can destroy them. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitats Dry sandy and stony places, in steppe where it grows with large tufted species of Stipa grasses[190], north to latitude 57°n[50].
Range Europe. An occasional garden escape in Britain.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Gypsophila paniculata Baby


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Gypsophila_paniculata0.jpg
Gypsophila paniculata Baby

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Gypsophila paniculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Contraceptive  Purgative

Purgative[61]. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and these have spermicidal activity[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained dryish soil[1, 187]. Plants are not long-lived in wet or heavy soils[190]. A lime tolerant plant[1], it prefers a limey soil according to another report[190]. Plants are intolerant of winter damp[187] but tolerate drought once established[190]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -20c[187]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and, if growth is sufficient, plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings before the plant flowers. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Root cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Gypsophila arrostiiArrost's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM01 
Gypsophila davurica Perennial0.6 -  LMHNDM10 
Gypsophila licentiana Perennial0.4 5-9  LMHNDM102
Gypsophila oldhamianaManchurian Baby's Breath, Oldham's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM11 
Gypsophila struthium Perennial0.2 -  LMHNDM021

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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