All about Baby’s Breath – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More (2024)

Baby’s Breath flowers are known as the most favorite filler flower. It was introduced in America as early as 1828 when Victorian gardeners loved the snowy white blooms and dainty flowers and foliage. In the early 1990s, this type of flower is seen tucked in bouquets and flower arrangements. So many things have changed in the floristry, and that includes the uses of Baby’s Breath flowers. Most of the florists nowadays create beautiful bouquets for weddings, anniversary, and other special occasions using only the flowers of Baby’s Breath. They are no longer a filler flower but the main attraction in a floral bouquet.

  • Baby’s Breath History

Known as Gypsophila family, Baby’s Breath derived its name from the kind of soil it thrives on. The soil is found to be high in gypsum which is a kind of mineral that makes the soil thick and heavy. Originally, the flowers were found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. After its popularity, the flowers were grown in different parts of the world.

All about Baby’s Breath – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More (1)Its name Baby’s Breath, however, was derived from the fact that this flower is widely used as a special baby shower gift. It is known in Great Britain by the name Soapwort. It was a staple flower during the Victorian era because they found this flower adorable in its light lacy floral canopy. Moreover, people of Great Britain gave high reverence to this flower because of its meaning and symbolism, especially in the Victorian language of flowers.

  • Baby’s Breath Meaning

Every flower has its unique meaning and symbolism. The flowers of Baby’s Breath are used to symbolize and express everlasting love and purity. Because of this, wedding bouquets and wedding floral arrangements are always added with flowers of Baby’s Breath. It reminds people to cherish each loved one and show affection as much as possible. For a past love that remains in the heart, this is also the type of flower to give.

Another meaning of this flower is innocence. It is oftentimes associated with babies and infants who are innocent. This is the reason why florists use the flower in most of the flower bouquets for baby showers or for gifts to mothers who gave birth to a baby. Pink and white Baby’s Breath flowers are perfect to use to welcome a new baby girl while the blue or green one can be used for the baby boy. The florists dye the flowers to create a rainbow of color and express various sentiments and emotions.

All about Baby’s Breath – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More (2)In addition, this flower is also meant to refer to the Holy Spirit, purity, self-discipline, and freedom. There are many ways to make use of this type of flower when it comes to flower arrangements because of the meaning and symbols it is associated with. You can ask the florists for the best arrangement if you plan to send one to a birthday celebrant or to a special someone today.

Baby’s Breath comes in a wide array of colors, aside from dyed flowers. White Baby’s Breath means unity and spirituality while blue means honesty and respect. Orange flowers symbolize joy and optimism while red ones symbolize love and romance. Pink flowers are meant to express gentleness and emotions while purple ones convey royalty and beauty. Yellow blooms offer a gift of joy and cheerfulness.

  • Baby’s Breath Facts

Baby’s Breath is a perennial type of flower that grows well in gypsum soil, a kind of soil that is thick and heavy. It blooms early summer and lasts until autumn or fall season. There are annual varieties of this flower as well, and they are enjoyed for about every occasion. The Gipsy is among the most popular types of annuals that can be grown in balconies and front porch while the Gypsophila Paniculata is one of the old varieties found in Central and Eastern Europe. Some Gypsophila can grow as tall as 1.2 meters in height while some can grow as much as 30 to 50 centimeters in width.

Baby’s Breath flower is one of the best for dried flowers. You can easily dry the flowers indoor for unique and attractive display at home or office or for keepsake purposes.

  • Baby’s Breath Care

All about Baby’s Breath – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More (3)To grow Baby’s Breath, the seed can be planted in soil with gypsum mineral. The soil should be friable and rich in calcium. The soil should have a slight alkalinity level. In case your soil is too low in alkaline or acid, you can add sulfur to the soil. If you want to lower the acidity level of the soil, you can add lime. It is best to plant the seed just after the frost melted away. In less than 2 weeks, the plant will germinate quickly but the flowers will not yet bloom until the second or third year from late June until the beginning of the frost season.

This plant needs sunlight at least six hours each day. It can resist drought and heat provided that it gets deep soaking once every two weeks on the summer season and three weeks on rainy season. Fertilizers and plant food are essential for their growth. You can give an all-purpose type of fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 10-10-10. Once you get the plant established over time, you can enjoy its sturdy and vigorous blooms at peak time.

Special occasions will never be boring and dull anymore because you can make it interesting by sending or bringing beautiful bouquets of Gypsophila or Baby’s Breath flowers.

All about Baby’s Breath – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning behind babys breath? ›

Most commonly, this flower is a symbol of everlasting love—which is one reason why it's a popular wedding flower. Baby's breath also represents innocence, which makes it a lovely gesture to include in baby shower gifts and gifts for new mothers.

What is baby's breath called? ›

Gypsophila paniculata, the baby's breath, common gypsophila or panicled baby's-breath, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to central and eastern Europe.

Where did baby's breath originated? ›

Gypsophila which is known in the US as Baby's Breath and in Great Britain as Soapwort is a vigorous perennial which was originally native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa.

What is baby's breath good for? ›

The baby's breath flower is very well-known for its possible anti-cancer fighting properties. Chemicals within the flower known as saponins have the ability to break down cancer cells, opening them up to being killed by anti-cancer drugs by up to a million-fold.

Is baby's breath good luck? ›

Baby's Breath has long been used as a symbol of purity, innocence, hope, and new beginnings. For these reasons, it has been traditionally used in wedding bouquets and baby showers. In many cultures, Baby's Breath is given to new mothers for good luck, which is how this flower got its name.

What Colour is baby breath? ›

Baby's Breath is a common name for the genus Gypsophila. Baby's breath flowers are very small and delicate. They are most often white, but can be found in pink, purple, and red as well. Baby's breath is one of the most popular filler flowers for bridal bouquets and other arrangements.

How long do baby breaths live? ›

Baby's breath is a hardy shrub. It's a common joke among growers that the baby's breath plant is something even the worst flower growers can't kill. Fresh ones will last anywhere from 8-10 days, or more when properly cared for.

Is baby's breath a real flower? ›

baby's breath, (genus Gypsophila), diverse genus of about 150 species of annual and perennial flowering plants of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), native to Eurasia. Several are cultivated for their fine misty effect in rock gardens and flower borders and in floral arrangements.

Does baby breath need water? ›

Baby's breath has low water needs and thrives in dry soil. Keep the soil moderately moist for young plants.

When was Baby's Breath discovered? ›

The first recorded introduction of this species was in the Canadian province of Manitoba in 1887, and in 1953 its weedy attributes were noted in Saskatchewan. It is now widespread across Canada and the northern U.S.

What month is baby's breath? ›

Description of baby's breath: Small, blue-green leaves, almost fleshy, on stems with slightly swollen joints bear a profusion of many-branched panicles containing numerous 1/8-inch wide flowers. Plants bloom in June and July.

How poisonous is baby's breath? ›

This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. This perennial form of baby's breath is cultivated as a garden ornamental or used by florists for fillers in bouquets, particularly with roses.

Is baby's breath toxic to eat? ›

Clinical Signs: Mild GI upset such as vomiting, and diarrhea may be seen if ingested.

Is Baby's Breath safe to eat? ›

Flowers like hydrangeas and baby's breath, while popular in bouquets, are actually toxic. Even if you aren't eating the actual flowers, just contact with the buttercream frosting you will eat could be dangerous, so it's best to stick with flowers that are edible.

Is baby breath a funeral flower? ›

If you wish to express sympathy and grief at a funeral for a child, baby's breath would be a good choice for your arrangement. However, this flower can also be used to express these feelings for friends and family of all ages.

What flowers symbolize? ›

What Does a Flower Symbolize? With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flowers are often seen as symbols of joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers bring unique meanings. Some flowers are seen as symbols of friendship and purity, while others are tied to forgiveness and death.

Is baby's Breath an expensive flower? ›

The Good: Baby's breath is an inexpensive and affordable option for bridesmaids' bouquets or centerpieces. It's extremely hardy and has a long lifetime. This flower also offers a light, alluring and sweet look.

Do baby breaths smell? ›

A baby's breath doesn't usually smell. That's because they have no teeth. Your teeth and tongue collect a myriad of things that can cause your breath to smell including food debris, sugars, and bacteria. Even though they don't have teeth, babies can have bad breath.

What is purple baby's breath called? ›

Gypsophila paniculata (Baby's Breath)
Also known as:Panicled Baby's-breath, Tall Baby's Breath
Origin:Europe, Asia
Status:Invasive - ERADICATE!
Habitat:sun; dry sandy or gravelly soil; roadsides, railroads, waste areas, dunes
Bloom season:July - September
7 more rows

Is there pink babies breath? ›

Gypsophila paniculata Pink (Pink Baby's Breath) Bears thousands of white double flowers that create an airy, cloudlike display in the summer border. Plants form a bushy, upright mound and, once established, are drought tolerant. Great for cutting for dried and fresh arrangements.

How tall does baby's breath grow? ›

Baby's breath is an underrated botanical specimen of striking softness and cloudlike grace. Gypsophila plants are upright and bushy, from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the species.

Can I grow baby's breath? ›

Baby's Breath may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as a potted plant. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring. Cover the seeds lightly with ¼ inch of seed starting formula.

How long can babies not breathe? ›

Generally, brain damage becomes possible after only 3 to 5 minutes without breathing. After 10 minutes, an infant may suffer serious brain damage. Any longer and there is a significant risk of death due to the lack of oxygen.

What does pink baby breath mean? ›

Orange blooms symbolize joy and optimism while red Baby Breath flowers – obviously – signifies love and romance. Pink ones are meant to express gentleness and emotions while purple conveys royalty and beauty.

Is blue baby's breath real? ›

Baby's breath is a delicate and beautiful blossom. Its small blue blooms and light green stems create an airy floral look perfect for any kind of wedding display.

Does baby's breath like sun? ›

Baby's breath prefers full sun, so be sure to pick a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. 2. Prepare the soil. Baby's breath grows best in well-draining soil that's slightly on the sandy side, with plenty of organic matter.

Can babys breath be dried? ›

Bundle five to seven stems together with twine or a rubber band. Hang these upside down in a dark, warm and well-ventilated room. Check the drying flowers after five days. When flowers are papery to the touch, they are ready for use in a dried arrangement.

What rose symbolizes? ›

Roses are most commonly associated with love and romance. Roses can also mean secrecy or confidentiality. The term “sub rosa”, meaning under the rose, comes from ancient times.

Do cats like baby breath? ›

It is moderately toxic to cats and can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat consumes any part of the baby's breath plant, you might also notice lethargy or a lack of energy and your cat might even stop eating.

Why is the first breath of a newborn the most important? ›

The oxygen from a baby's first breath decreases pulmonary vascular resistance, allowing the lungs to open and expel amniotic fluid. Appropriate oxygenation in the first minutes of life stimulates brain, kidney, endocrine, and digestive function.

What does yellow baby's breath symbolize? ›

Pink flowers are meant to express gentleness and emotions while purple ones convey royalty and beauty. Yellow blooms offer a gift of joy and cheerfulness.

What does pink baby's breath symbolize? ›

Common Baby's Breath Flower Colors and Their Meanings

Pink baby's breath flowers often express love, appreciation, and admiration. They can also represent femininity and elegance. Like commonly held white flower meanings, white baby's breath flowers are associated with purity, innocence, and young love.

What happens if a baby is born not breathing? ›

In the most severe cases, asphyxia can lead to organ failure and death. Two stages of injury can happen with birth asphyxia: The first stage happens within minutes if blood flow is low and cells do not get enough oxygen. The second stage is called “reperfusion injury.” It can last for days or even weeks.

How long after a baby is born do they breathe? ›

At birth, the baby's lungs are filled with fluid. They are not inflated. The baby takes the first breath within about 10 seconds after delivery. This breath sounds like a gasp, as the newborn's central nervous system reacts to the sudden change in temperature and environment.

How fast do babies breathe? ›

A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This may slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. A baby's breathing pattern may also be different. A baby may breathe fast several times, then have a brief rest for less than 10 seconds, then breathe again.

Is there pink babys breath? ›

Pink Baby's Breath is a lovely choice for your sunny perennial garden. Watch as large panicles of true light pink flowers splash your garden from early summer through midsummer.

Does baby's breath need water? ›

Baby's breath has low water needs and thrives in dry soil. Keep the soil moderately moist for young plants.

Does baby's breath smell? ›

A baby's breath doesn't usually smell. That's because they have no teeth. Your teeth and tongue collect a myriad of things that can cause your breath to smell including food debris, sugars, and bacteria.

Is Baby's Breath Harmful? ›

Keep in mind that the entire baby's breath flowers are toxic to pets as well as to people. It is best when used as decorations instead of for consumption. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur when you eat baby's breath flowers.

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