January 24, 1914 



HORTICULTURE 



107 



Gypsophila 



Few flowering garden plants ai-c 

 better known than the ''Babu-s' 

 Breath" or Gypsophila. The main 

 reason for its popularity is its wirlc 

 latitude of usefulness in a cut staU. 

 The graceful panicles of the annual 

 Gypsophila elegans, as well as tlic 

 perennial Gypsophila paniculata ami 

 its double form, floro pleno, seem in- 

 dispensable for midsummer table 

 decorations. A few sprays mixed ia 

 bouquets, centerpieces or vases take 

 away any stiffness in the form of 

 some common garden flowers, amel- 

 iorate and soften colors and, in a 

 general way, help to improve mat- 

 ters perceptibly. To be without a 

 continuous supply of babies' breath 

 during the sweet pea season, for flor- 

 ists of northern summer resorts, 

 reflects very badly on judgment. In 

 the eyes of most of his customers the 

 craftsman minus the always desired article is a complete 

 failure. The easy way of growing the annual kinds in 

 proper rotation leaves no excuse whatever. The peren- 

 nial species mentioned, during the period of their being 

 in bloom, serve the same purpose. The comparatively 

 new Gypsophila paniculata flore pleno may be cut, dried 

 and preserved for winter use similar to helichrysuiiis. 



GYl'Sdl'HllA ( KKASTIUIDKS 



acrocliniums, rhodanthes, xeranthemums and other im- 

 mortelles. Less known and by no means duly appreci- 

 ated we find the two dwarf-growing kinds, Gypsophila 

 cerastioides and Gypsophila repens. As shown by our 

 illustrations, both are ideal rock-garden plants of charm- 

 ing appearance. The flowers of the European native, 

 Gypsophila cerastioides being of a clear white with finely 

 ])('ueik'd brown veins, never fail to 

 ili'aw attention, while the light grace- 

 ful masses of tiny blossoms of Gypso- 

 ]ihila repens evoke the admiration of 

 all. I'^or dry wall planting both prove 

 a material hardy and highly effective, 

 (lypsophilas are mostly raised from 

 seeds planted as early as possible in 

 Spring. The annual varieties should 

 be sown on the garden space where 

 we want them to flower. The peren- 

 nial species may be started in cold 

 frames or in seed pans under glass 

 at moderate heat and sufficient ven- 

 tihition on bright days. Gypsophila 

 cerastioides can also be freely propa- 

 gated by divisions. A light soil and 

 (ipcn sunny exposure is the rule for 

 all species mentioned. Perennials 

 need leaf-covering for winter pro- 

 tection. 



GVI'SOPHILA KEI'ENS 



Jiivcrion, N. J. 



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