Gypsophila paniculata

Plant Family

Caryophyllaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Gypsophila paniculata

Photo by: GERALD L. KLINGAMAN

Plant Common Name

Baby's Breath, Perennial Baby's Breath

General Description

Baby’s breath is the traditional filler flower for florist’s bouquets. It is an herbaceous perennial plant bearing tall, airy panicles covered with hundreds of tiny white flowers. When in bloom, from early to midsummer, the effect is cloud-like. Off-season it maintains an inconspicuous existence as a dense rosette of lance-shaped, blue-green basal foliage.

Baby’s breath is native to Central and Eastern Europe, where it thrives on dry, stony slopes, often with chalky soil. In the garden, it grows best in full sun and prefers light, deep alkaline soil. Monitor the soil pH to maintain its alkalinity. If necessary, amend the soil with calcium and magnesium to keep the pH high. During its season of bloom it should be watered regularly. Cut back the faded flower stems before they set seed as plants have a tendency to lightly self-sow. Baby’s breath is difficult to transplant because it has a deep tap root, so plant it where it won’t be disturbed. Protect its tender new leaves from snails and slugs.

Baby’s breath adds an airy puff of delicate blooms and is perfect in bouquets, either fresh or dry. Florists love ‘Perfecta’ for its large double-white flowers. One of the more popular varieties for the garden is the dwarf ‘Pink Fairy’, which has double pink flowers.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  9 - 1

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  5 - 9

• Sunset Zone

  A2, A3, H1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21

• Plant Type

  Perennial

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun

• Height

  3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

• Width

  3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

• Bloom Time

  Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

• Native To

  Europe, Eastern Europe, Mediterranean

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Loam, Sand

• Water Requirements

  Drought Tolerant, Average Water

• Habit

  Cushion/Mound-forming

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  White, Light Pink

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Blue Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Blue Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Blue Green

• Fragrant Flowers

  Yes

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Foliage Texture

  Medium

• Evergreen

  No

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Mixed Border

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  No

• Attracts

  Butterflies

• Self-Sowing

  Yes