gypsophila cerastoides

[zephirine]

I fell in love last spring with this lovely plant...and assume you'd call it an "alpine"?
Following the nursery's advice, I planted it in a place where it would be fairly dry, in fact right inside the limit of the roof extension of my garden shed.
It is still alive... but with very few leaves emerging, and I'm so afraid to lose it...but maybe it is normal at that period of its vegetation cycle???
What would you recommend as best conditions to have it thrive, please?
Was the nursery's advice adequate?
Or does it need more fresh soil than I was told?
I intend to pot it up and let it heal in the greenhouse this winter, but wonder where I will replant it next!
Any advice will be welcome..thanks!

[Carlo]

I'd leave it be. Gypsophila cerastioides is not difficult and survives well here outdoors. I think you'll have not trouble with it as long as it gets good light and adequate--but not too much--moisture.

[mark smyth]

It's a very common garden centre alpine

[Lesley Cox]

The problem could be too much dry. Mine is out in the open rock garden with Dianthus, Pulsatillas and many other plants which like an open, sunny place but still get whatever rain that falls and the occasional watering in summer. Otherwise, it's about the easiest plant imaginable.

[zephirine]

It's a very common garden centre alpine

It demonstrate once more that the word "common" can be very different from a country to another, a climate to another!
Never seen it in the french garden centers or nurseries either...
In fact, we made acquaintance in Freiburg, some 600 km from home! lol
Never mind, I hope it means that it is a tough plant indeed!
Carlo and Leslie, I think you're right..I was so anxious to preserve it from too much humidity that I probably went too far in the opposite direction!
I'll think about that and find a better place for it!
Thanks all three of you! Never too late to learn!
Zeph

[Katherine J]

Dear Zephirine,
I am a new member and I found right now your question. I don't know if you read my answer any more. As you can see, I am a beginner, but I have Gypsophila cerastioides for several years, and I can tell you, this is a reliable plant! But it is not evergreen! At least here, in Hungary, it looses all its leaves in winter, but it recovers itself perfectly in spring! It likes sun, but in this case don't let it dry out!

[zephirine]

Yes, Kathryn, and thank you for your answer ! (and a warm welcome from another foreign new member!)
I just can't transplant it right now, as we had -6° this morning and the upper inch of the soil is frozen...but I'll do it as soon as the weather warms up!
Thanks again!
Zephirine

[David Shaw]

It may be 'common' but I would give it a home if I see one around. It looks a very attractive little plant.

[Maggi Young]

It is a really good plant that one used to see offered much more, but I can't say I have seen it for a while.
This is another page which has reminded me of something we USED to have in the garden but, alas, no longer. I expect there may be seed in the exchange... I'll keep my eyes open.

[Katherine J]

Well, I had a lot this year, but I have spread it to my friends. Next year I will think of you, Maggi, or everybody who needs.

[Lesley Cox]

I get seed on mine too so I'll remember you both, David and Maggi. Late (southern) summer.