Gypsophila (jipp-SOFF-ill-uh) Common Name:  Baby's breath Light:  - Full sun to part sun Soil:  Somewhat alkaline, average to rich, well-drained Moisture:  Average to dry Blooms:  Summer Zones:  3 - 9 -*-

Gypsophila 'Compacta Plena' Gypsophila 'Perfecta'

Gypsophila Description and Cultural Information

Gypsophila paniculata, baby's breath. 3' - 4'. This airy plant has thousands of minute flowers on wiry stems in summer. Plants can grow to shrublike proportions. 'Bristol Fairy' is compact with double flowers. 'Pink Fairy' is a compact, lower growing form with pale-pink flowers. 'Compacta Plena' is a very compact variety growing 12 to 16" high and 24" wide that blooms from June to frost, making an excellent border plant. Zones 3 - 9.

Gypsophila repens, creeping baby's breath. 4 - 8". This plant has trailing, branched stems that form low mats of blue-green foliage. Flowers can be white, pale purple, or pink. Zones 3 - 8.

How to grow:  Plant baby's breath in average to rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Slightly alkaline soil is preferred and plants do not like to be disturbed once established. Some varieties will self seed making them useful in the informal cottage garden.

Landscape uses:  Use baby's breath in your garden as a weaver in flower arranging, much as you would a cut flower arrangement. Combine it with other summer blooming perennials such as Liatris, Veronica, Agastache, Platycodon, Echinacea, daisies, lilies, and daylilies.