Baby’s Breath

(Gypsophila paniculata)

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Photo by David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Photo by David J. Stang

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Photo by David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Gypsophila_paniculata_Bristol_Fairy_0zz.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|European holly (''Ilex aquifolium'')}} |date=2021-07-21 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/145607515 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/3599717 Michel Langeveld] |permission= |other vers

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Gypsophila paniculata, commonly known as Baby’s Breath, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous perennial herb. It is native to a wide range of habitats including steppes, meadows, and gypsiferous soils in Eastern Europe and Asia. It reaches up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height and width, forming mounded tufts with branching stems that become covered in a profusion of tiny white flowers during the summer, giving the plant a delicate, airy appearance. The flowers are highly valued for their use in floral arrangements and as a complement to other plants in garden borders.

Baby’s Breath thrives in well-drained alkaline to neutral soils and requires full sun exposure to flourish. It is drought-tolerant, needing only low amounts of water once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. ’Rosenschleier’, a cultivar with pale pink double flowers, has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While it is a popular ornamental plant, Gypsophila paniculata can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in regions like California, and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Steppes, meadows, and gypsiferous soils in Eastern Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Perennial Baby’s-Breath, Common Gypsophila, Panicled Baby’s-Breath, Tall Baby’s-Breath, Baby’s-Breath, Rispiges Gipskraut, Scheierkraut, Gypsophile Paniculée, Oeillet D’Amour, Brouillard

Scientific Names: , Gypsophila paniculata, Gypsophila hungarica, Gypsophila effusa, Gypsophila paniculata var. adenopoda, Gypsophila manginii, Gypsophila parviflora, Arrostia paniculata, Gypsophila myriantha, Gypsophila paniculata subsp. paniculata

GBIF Accepted Name: Gypsophila paniculata L.