Gypsophila tenuifolia

Gypsophila tenuifolia, also known as small-leaved gypsophila, is a small perennial that forms a dense turf-like clump. The small linear leaves, resembling a short lawn, are tightly packed together. In summer, it is adorned with pink to white flowers, dotted across the foliage. Native to the mountains of the Caucasus and Turkey, it thrives in a rock garden, including in medium-altitude gardens.

Gypsophila tenuifolia belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It has a fairly slow growth rate and its mature size will not exceed 10cm (4in) in height and 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) in width. Flowering occurs in June-July, and consists of numerous small five-petalled flowers in shades of pink to white. The flowers are arranged in cymes, branched inflorescences, creating an aesthetic and extremely delicate mist-like effect. The foliage is evergreen in winter, or semi-evergreen in very cold winters. It is a bright green colour and composed of small, smooth, needle-like leaves, tightly packed together.

Gypsophila tenuifolia is suitable for scree gardens, rockeries, walls, raised beds, and anywhere with well-drained soil that is not too dry. Gypsophila plants are unmatched for lightening compositions or adding a touch of poetry at the base of shrubs. They particularly enhance large-flowered perennials, such as roses and shrub peonies. Combine them with other rock garden perennials, such as aubrietas, alchemillas, golden baskets, and Arabis caucasica.