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Annual Biennial

Gypsophila vaccaria
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cow herb

An annual wildflower, with upright, branching stems to around 60cm high, and lance-shaped, grey-green leaves clasping the stems. Spreading clusters of small pink flowers, with notched petals and darker pink veins, are produced in spring and early summer

Other common names
cow basil
cow cockle
see morecow fat
cow soapwort
glond
soapwort
Synonyms
Vaccaria violescens
Vaccaria pyramidata
see moreVaccaria hispanica
Gypsophila violescens
Vaccaria segetalis
Saponaria vaccaria
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Gypsophila can be annuals or perennials, sometimes evergreen, with narrow, greyish leaves and large sprays of small flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a range of soils and positions, often found on distubed soils and field margins. Self seeds freely and has potential to become a nuisance if not managed

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to cutworms

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to sooty mould

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