Gypsophila repens

Species of flowering plant / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gypsophila repens, the alpine gypsophila[2] or creeping baby's breath,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it grows on dry, chalky slopes.[4] The Latin name literally means "creeping chalk-lover".[5] It is a prostrate, mat-forming herbaceous perennial, growing around 20 cm (8 in) tall by 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide. For much of the summer it bears masses of star-shaped flowers which may be white, lilac or light purple, in loose panicles.[6][4]

Quick facts: Gypsophila repens, Scientific classification ...
Gypsophila repens
Gypsophila_repens0.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Gypsophila
Species:
G. repens
Binomial name
Gypsophila repens
Synonyms[1]
  • Gypsophila adscendens Jacq.
  • Gypsophila alpestris Jord. & Fourr.
  • Gypsophila dubia Willd.
  • Gypsophila erectiuscula Jord. & Fourr.
  • Gypsophila sabauda Jord. & Fourr.
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In cultivation this plant is often grown in rock gardens or against dry stone walls. Like its relative G. paniculata, it is also used as a cut flower. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7][8]