Gypsophila repens White Angel

Gypsophila repens 'White Angel' is a lovely variety of creeping gypsophila. It is particularly floriferous and bright, with white flowers that bloom profusely in summer on grey-green foliage. Ground-covering and prostrate, this vigorous perennial with the appearance of silver basket forms a decorative ground cover in sunny rockeries. It also works well in crevices and on walls, from which it cascades in vaporous draperies. It is well adapted to drought. It will thrive in the sun, in light, well-drained soils, even limestone.

Gypsophila 'White Angel' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. Its ancestor, Gypsophila repens, is native to the mountains of Europe, particularly the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Apennine Peninsula, and eastern Central Europe. This 'White Angel' variety has a spreading, cushion-like habit. Its mature size will not exceed 20cm (8in) in height and 40cm (16in) in width, or even more. Flowering takes place from May to August, if the soil remains slightly moist. It produces an abundance of pure white five-petal flowers. The flowers are arranged in cymes, branched inflorescences, and the overall effect is both aesthetically pleasing and extremely light. The foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in winter, depending on the climate. Soft grey-green in colour, it is composed of small, narrow, fleshy, opposite, glabrous leaves measuring 1 to 3cm (1in) long, borne on first prostrate, then ascending, knee-jointed stems.

Gypsophila repens 'White Angel' has its place in scree gardens, and beds with light and well-exposed soil. Plant it with salvias, old roses, and sturdy perennials like oriental poppies or gaura. It particularly enhances perennials with large flowers. It will form a misty carpet at the base of shrubby peonies. Ideal in dry gardens, in rockeries, or on sunny embankments where it will perfectly play its role as ground cover. This gypsophila also adapts very well to flower beds and pots.