Gypsophila White

Gypsophila paniculata

The genus Gypsophila doesn't only grow in Europe, but also in North Africa and Asia where we can find about one hundred species. Among them are both annual and perennial herbs, some species have a shrub-like growth with woody older stems. They form smooth stems, branching extensively into a large, hemispherical clump. The small sessile leaves are also smooth. At the end of the stems are abundant inflorescences of tiny flowers.

Low-growing gypsophilas work well in rock gardens, taller ones in perennial beds. The most well-known is baby's breath (G. paniculata). This species is native to Central Europe. A hardy perennial that is an ornament to perennial beds, where among colorful flowers the tiny delicate white flowers of gypsophila, up to 100 cm tall, create an effective display. Annual baby's breath (G. elegans) is shorter, maximum 50 cm tall. Really tiny is cushion baby's breath (G. muralis), compact varieties with white to pink flowers, are only a few centimeters tall. They are annuals, but manage to create a beautiful abundantly flowering cushion in a rock garden or in a dry stone wall. Larger flowers on a conversely very small shrub only about 10 cm tall are borne by the originally Himalayan Gypsophila cerastioides.

Baby's breath suits all types of gardens, standing out best in cottage gardens. It can also be grown in containers. It's suitable for cutting for vases and for drying in dried arrangements.

How to Grow Baby's Breath

• Requires a sunny location. G. paniculata and G. fastigiata need moister soil and watering during dry summers, lower species suitable for rock gardens and walls prefer drier soil. During the flowering period, water only moderately. In autumn, cut back the entire plant. Winter hardy, protect soil with mulch.

• Seed sowing is done from March to June either indoors in seed trays or in a cold frame with a recommended temperature around 15 degrees. Grown seedlings are planted out in June and July. When growing in beds, plant at 40x40 cm spacing.

• Soil should be deep, calcareous, rather dry.

• In spring, lightly fertilize with universal fertilizer. Suitable options include Cererit or Kristalon.

• Does not suffer from diseases or pests.

• Cut branches before the flowers fully open. For drying baby's breath, the recommended method is in an upright position in a vase with a small amount of water, about one to three centimeters.