Common Name: baby's breath
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to August
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil
Culture
Grow in average, somewhat dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.3-7.5) but will tolerate a range of soil pH levels from neutral to moderately alkaline (7.0-8.0). Add lime to acidic soils. Soils must have good drainage. Plants may not survive winter in wet, poorly drained soils. Avoid root disturbance or transplanting once established. Cut back or shear after flowering to promote rebloom. Hardy in Zones 3-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gypsophila paniculata, commonly called baby's breath, is a herbaceous, taprooted perennial native to meadow steppes, woodland margins, and other open habitats on calcareous or sandy soils in Eurasia. Mature plants reach around 2-3' tall with a similar spread and take on a densely branched, rounded habit. The lanceolate foliage can reach around 2" long and 0.25" wide. Loose, highly branched panicles of small, white flowers bloom from summer into fall.
Genus name comes from the Greek gypos meaning "gypsum" and philos meaning "friendship" in reference to the calcareous soils plants in this genus are commonly found growing on in the wild. Gypsum is a source of calcium ions and will not raise pH if used as a soil amendment. Liming agents must be used to raise soil pH.
Specific epithet refers to the flowers being arranged in panicles.
'Bristol Fairy' is a diffusely branched, mound-forming cultivar that features numerous, long-lasting, double white flowers (1/4" wide) in open, airy panicles on wiry, jointed stems in summer. Lance-shaped foliage is somewhat sparse.
Problems
Some susceptibility to botrytis and aster yellows. May need staking or other support. This plant has escaped cultivation and is considered invasive in parts of Australia, New Zealand, South America, Canada, and the United States. Check local laws and recommendations before adding this plant to your landscape. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Provides excellent contrast and texture to the perennial border. May be used as summer filler to cover areas once occupied by early spring wildflowers, bulbs or other plants which disappear into dormancy by early summer. Sprays of baby's breath flowers are frequently used as filler in bouquets and floral arrangements. The taproot was traditionally used as a soap.