Gypsophila 'Festival Star'

Gypsophila 'Festival Star': A Cloud of White That Lasts All Season
Light and lacy, Gypsophila 'Festival Star' brings a continuous flurry of tiny white blooms to the garden from late spring through frost. More compact and floriferous than traditional baby’s breath, this refined cultivar forms a tidy, mounded shape covered in delicate, starry flowers that float like a gentle mist above the foliage. Whether softening the edge of a sunny border or adding airy contrast to bold bloomers, Festival Star delivers elegance, ease, and an exceptionally long season of bloom.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a compact, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Pure white, single-petaled, star-shaped flowers
• Flowering Period: Late spring to frost
• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green leaves; fine-textured and semi-evergreen in mild climates
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Gypsophila 'Festival Star' is ideal for edging sunny paths, filling gaps in perennial borders, or spilling gently from containers. Its constant bloom and fine texture create a softening effect in the landscape, making it a perfect counterpoint to bold flowers or strong garden structure. Long prized in floral design, this cultivar also makes a charming cut flower and is equally appreciated by bees and other pollinators in the garden.

Companion Plants: Pair Festival Star with Coreopsis 'Curry Up', whose warm yellow tones create a striking contrast against Gypsophila’s snowy blooms while echoing its sunny disposition. Add Salvia 'Pink Profusion', whose upright spires add vertical interest and pollinator appeal in a harmonious pastel palette. Complete the planting with Thymus 'Magic Carpet', whose low, fragrant mat weaves through the base with soft pink blossoms and a shared love of dry, sunny soils.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy or poorly drained sites, especially in winter. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, Festival Star is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Deadhead lightly to encourage rebloom, or shear back after the first flush to stimulate new flowers. Divide every 3–4 years in spring if clumps become woody or sparse.

History: A modern, compact cultivar of Gypsophila paniculata, 'Festival Star' was developed for container culture and extended blooming. Unlike older varieties that bloom in a single flush, Festival Star flowers continuously with minimal care, making it a favourite for gardeners seeking season-long softness and colour balance in sunny spaces.

Final Thoughts: Delicate but tough, Gypsophila 'Festival Star' is a reliable, ever-blooming accent that brings a mist of white to borders and bouquets. Its fine texture and floriferous nature make it an essential filler—both in the garden and the vase—perfect for tying together plantings with gentle grace. A long-lasting cloud of calm in the summer sun.