Gypsophila aretioides

Gypsophila aretioides is one of those cushiony plants I love, but I'm smart enough to know I probably wouldn't have success with. Why? How about this description from the Missouri Botanical Garden: "Easily grown in somewhat dry, sandy-gritty, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers alkaline soils (pH7.0 to 7.5). Add lime to acidic soils. Soils must have good drainage. Plants may not survive winter in wet, poorly drained soils. Likes to be left undisturbed once established."

I love that they start off with the word "easy," but then go on to a long list of very specific requirements. Easy for who? Certainly not someone with a winter-wet climate and clay soil, like me.

Other desciptions I read online all reference it's dense, hard feel: "The stems and tiny narrow, grey-green leaves are so closely packed that the plant feels hard to the touch." (source) and "Forms hard creeping cushions with very tiny foliage." (source) and "Gypsophila aretioides is a half-hardy alpine plant, ideal for growing in containers and rockeries, where its closely packed stems and leaves form an almost impenetrable carpet." (source)

Of course all those descriptions only make me want it even more...

Weather Diary, June 17: Hi 81, Low 58/ Precip none

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