Gypsophila olympica Care
Gypsophila olympica
A rock garden plant native to Turkey and endemic to Uludağ that spreads in a cushion form. Full sun and perfectly drained, gravelly, chalky soil are vital; overwatering causes root rot.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Fertilizing: Not required, absolutely do not fertilize.
- General care: The most important care is making absolutely sure water does not collect around the plant's roots.
- Pests & diseases: Root/crown rot is the biggest risk. Frost protection is not needed; it is very hardy.
- Pruning: Remove dry parts left over from winter.
- General care: Spreading gravel or fine pumice around the crown keeps it from staying wet and helps prevent rot.
- Pests & diseases: Observe. Frost protection is not needed.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, lightly once a month (1-2 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: Not needed; do not overdo it.
- General care: Clear weeds by hand.
- Pests & diseases: Observe the new shoots.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, 1-2 times a month (2-3 L/m²).
- Pests & diseases: Check for aphids, but they are rarely a problem.
- Watering: Every 2-3 weeks, 3-5 L/m².
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm, and keep the root collar above the surrounding soil level.
- Pests & diseases: Check the center of the plant for signs of crown (root collar) rot; it must not stay wet.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: In extreme temperatures, the plant may go into dormancy.
- Pests & diseases: Heat and humidity make this the riskiest period; water only if absolutely necessary.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: It may put out new shoots when the weather cools.
- Watering: Not required, natural rainfall is sufficient.
- General care: Clear fallen leaves from around it to ensure airflow.
- Pests & diseases: Make sure drainage is excellent for the winter rains.
- General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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