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Description
Gypsophila Oldhamiana, commonly known as Oldham’s Baby’s Breath, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to China, specifically in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a clump-forming habit. It produces numerous stems with slender leaves that are about 5 cm long and 1 mm wide. The flowers are small and white, measuring 2-3 mm in diameter, and are clustered into cymes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Gypsophila |
Appearance
Gypsophila Oldhamiana has a delicate and graceful appearance, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. The plant has slender stems with small white flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves are narrow and elongated, giving the plant a wispy, airy feel. The plant grows in a clumping habit, forming a dense mound of foliage. Its height ranges from 30 cm to 60 cm, with a spread of 30 cm to 45 cm.
Care Guide
Gypsophila Oldhamiana is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your Oldham’s Baby’s Breath thriving:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but will perform best in fertile soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will bloom best in full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gypsophila Oldhamiana is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Gypsophila Oldhamiana is native to the mountainous regions of China, where it grows in rocky and gravelly soils. It can be found in open meadows, on slopes, and in alpine regions. The plant is adapted to cold and arid environments, making it a hardy choice for gardens in harsh climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gypsophila Oldhamiana an annual or perennial plant?
A: Gypsophila Oldhamiana is a perennial herbaceous plant.
Q: Does Gypsophila Oldhamiana require frequent fertilization?
A: No, the plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests that can affect Gypsophila Oldhamiana?
A: Gypsophila Oldhamiana can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gypsophila Oldhamiana?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Gypsophila Paniculata
- Gypsophila Repens
- Gypsophila Cerastioides
References
- “Gypsophila Oldhamiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k900.
- “Gypsophila Oldhamiana.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/gypsophila-oldhamiana.
- “Gypsophila Oldhamiana.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/266308/Gypsophila-Oldhamiana/Details.
