Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata
Also known as
Common Gypsophila, Maiden's Breath, Panicled Baby's Breath, Chalk plant
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.2m | Max | 1.2m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Baby's Breath
Baby's Breath Overview
Commonly used in flower arrangements and bridal bouquets. The delicate, small flowers can be white or pink. It prefers growing in alkaline soils and is very drought and salt tolerant. In some parts of the world, it is considered to be invasive as thousands of seeds can be dispersed from seed pods and lead to extensive overgrowth.
Common problems with Baby's Breath
Plants may be affected by diseases such as botrytis blight, aster yellows virus, crown gall, damping-off and bacterial fasciation. Leafhoppers may also become a problem.
How to harvest Baby's Breath
Harvest flowers 4-6 months after sowing.
How to propagate Baby's Breath
Seed
Sow seeds during spring in seed trays with well-drained, coarse, sandy soil. Germination should take place within 10-18 days. Plant out in permanent position during summer.
Cuttings
Root grafting can be done in winter. Scions of the stem should be grafted onto root cuttings.
Grafting
Special features of Baby's Breath
Drought resistant
Taproot can reach deep groundwater during dry periods.
Attracts useful insects
Butterflies
Other uses of Baby's Breath
Cutting bed, dried arrangements, border Summer interest.
Cutflower
Long lasting vase-life make the soft white clouds of flowers popular in the cut flower industry.