Gypsophila: Seasonal Flower of the Summer

If this year’s Chelsea in Bloom was anything to go by, then the flower of the moment is without a doubt Gypsophila. There were hundreds, possibly even thousands of stems of this versatile, tiny white flower spotted in installations from Sloane Square right down the King’s Road and beyond.

Why is Gypsophila so popular?

It’s a great value for money flower as a little goes a long way, it also takes spray paint, dye and glitter easily.  And despite its fragile appearance, it is more than capable of surviving the elements and of course it dries beautifully.

Gypsophila - scented, or otherwise…?

Some people find the odour of Gypsophila off-putting. It’s been described as smelling like sour milk, or sweaty feet! This is most noticeable when there are large amounts of Gyp, so is more obvious in a shop situation. The more mature the stems, the more likely it is to whiff; direct sunlight or a humid atmosphere can also make it more obvious.   Not all Gypsophila smells however, indeed some can be sweet scented, so always aim for fresh, good quality stems, keep water and containers clean and add flower food.

Stem Length: typically 70cm-80cm, sold in bunches of 25 stems.

Availability: all year round from the Dutch auctions, also seasonally grown in the UK from June to October.

Vase life: 7-14 days.

Colour Range: Pure white, pale pink, also dyed and sprayed in a multitude of colours.

How to care for and condition Gypsophila

• Ideal temperature for display: 5-8°C.

• Unwrap and shake out bunches on arrival, allowing the flowers to breathe before using in designs.

• Re-cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife.

• Change water every two to three days, re-cutting stems and adding flower food each time.

• To separate stems, hold upside down and gently pull apart.

• Don’t overcrowd containers as this may cause the lower stems to snap. If this happens, cut them off and save them in a small pot for adding into arrangements.

How to preserve Gypsophila

To dry, use the air drying method: carefully separate the Gyp into small bunches and hang them upside down  in a dry, well ventilated, warm spot. It should take two to three weeks. It is also very easy to press.  

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.