Gypsophila Flowers.

Gypsophila is a genus of flowering plants in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. The genus name is from the Greek gypsos ("gypsum") and philios ("loving"), a reference to the gypsum-rich substrates on which some species grow. They are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Turkey has a particularly high diversity of Gypsophila taxa, with about 35 endemic species.
Varieties of Gypsophila
There are many varieties of Gypsophila available with the main difference being the flower head size;
• Million Stars Gypsophila- is a small headed variety.
• Gypsophila Perfecta and Double Time -are larger headed varieties.
• Gypsophilia elegans- Tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms.
• Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) - Perennial variety with tall, multi-branched stems and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers, which can be good filler in bouquets.
Clusters of tiny, double flowers bloom on branching stems 3 to 4 feet tall. White is the most commonly used color; however, it is also available in pale pink, Gypsophila lives up to a week and dries well.
Climate and Origin of Gypsophila.
Gypsophila flowers can grow in any well drained, fertile soil and they thrive well in regions exposed to sufficient sunlight. Unlike other plants and flowers, gypsophila can do well in sandy soil though they do not prefer hot weather and may wilt if temperatures are too high.
The flower name is derived from Greek terms gypsos meaning gypsum and philos that mean friend. This refers to the flower’s affinity for alkaline soil containing a high amount of lime, gypsophila came to North America around the 19th century. It has flourished and naturalized in several parts of the world and some areas regard it as a noxious weed.

Tending the Flowers in the Farm
Gypsophilia plants grow 1 to 2 feet, bearing a profusion of white or pink flowers. The stems separate into many branches, giving it a light appearance, perfect for accenting bouquets.
The flowers can be used as filler in the garden between other annuals like Poppies, Lupines, and Larkspur. When half of their bloom opens, they should be cut for use in various bouquets. They can last for more than two weeks in the vase and can possibly stay for a longer time. It is easy to dry the gypsophila flowers and you can achieve this by hanging the bundle upside down and in a cool environment until the blooms dry out fully. The duration of this will depend on the level of humidity in the place they dry from.

Facts about Gypsophilia
• Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.
• Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
• Gypsophilia is available year round.
• Gypsophila is primarily used as a filler flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.
• Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate anything from wreaths to craft projects.
• "Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found are New Love and Party Time.
• The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.