Gypsophila muralis.

The genus Gypsophila, of the Caryophyllaceae family, consists of more than 100 species of annual and perennial plants native to the Mediterranean basin, Europe and the Middle East.

It is also commonly known as Gysophila, Bridal cloud, Bridal illusion and Bridal veil.

They are herbaceous plants of creeping or erect habit with leaves in opposite pairs and lanceolate shape. They have small, abundant flowers in inflorescences. These have 5 petals and are pink or white in colour. They flower from spring to the end of summer. Sometimes they need tutors to support correctly the inflorescences destined to cut flowers.

They are widely used for borders, colour beds, rockeries, slopes and for cut flowers. They do not usually thrive well in pots.

Gisophila needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and average annual temperatures of 15-25 ºC.

It likes soils with organic matter, very well drained (add coarse sand) and not too much lime. The ideal time to plant it is in spring in the case of annual species and in autumn or spring for perennials.

It should be watered moderately all year round. It is very important not to over-water as this could cause the plant to rot.

The ideal is to fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during the flowering period. It is quite resistant to pests and diseases, although it can be attacked by aphids.

Perennial species are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by root-stem cuttings. Annual species are propagated by seed sown at the same time.