Gypsophila paniculata L.
Baby's Breath
Baby's breath is a cultivated perennial in the pink family, grown for the soft, billowing clouds of tiny white flowers that hover over finely branched, wiry stems in summer. The narrow grey-green leaves are sparse, so the overall effect is of an airy, mist-like mound.
About
Baby's breath is a cultivated perennial in the pink family, grown for the soft, billowing clouds of tiny white flowers that hover over finely branched, wiry stems in summer. The narrow grey-green leaves are sparse, so the overall effect is of an airy, mist-like mound. It is not native to Britain but originates in central and eastern Europe, where it grows naturally on dry steppe.
It thrives in deep, free-draining and often lime-rich or sandy soil in full sun, resenting wet or heavy ground, and develops a long taproot that makes established plants drought-tolerant. The small flowers are visited by bees and other insects through summer. It is best known as a filler in borders and as a florist's flower, prized for the delicate framework it lends to cut and dried arrangements.
Also known as
Baby's-breath · Babysbreath · Babysbreath Gypsophila · Bachelor's Button · Perfoliate Baby's Breath · Tall Baby's-breath · baby’s-breath · common gypsophila · perennial baby's-breath
Synonyms
Arrostia paniculata · Gypsophila effusa · Gypsophila hungarica · Gypsophila manginii · Gypsophila paniculata adenopoda · Gypsophila paniculata lituanica · Gypsophila paniculata minutiflora · Gypsophila paniculata paniculata · Gypsophila parviflora · Gypsophila tatarica · Lychnis procera
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.