Gypsophila paniculata (Baby’s Breath)

A favorite for cut flowers and arrangements, Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) also deserves a place in the landscape. Its airy clouds of white or pink tiny flowers add both contrast and texture to the perennial border from early summer to fall. Their billowy appearance is most attractive and has a softening effect on the surrounding plants. Also perfect for masking the fading foliage of spring flowering bulbs or for filling the gaps left by early summer bloomers such as Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale).

• Growing in decorative mounds, up to 2-3 feet tall and wide (60-90 cm), covered with myriads of long-lasting, single or double flowers on plants with very small, blue-green leaves, they thrive in full sun and enjoy average, dry, well-drained soils. Alkaline soils are preferred (add lime to acidic soils). This plant prefers being left undisturbed once established.
• Low maintenance and highly disease-free, this plant is drought- and salt-tolerant.
• Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer!
• Plant in groups of 3 to 4 plants for best visual impact. Great as cut flowers!
• Cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom.
• Native to Europe and Asia.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.