Category: Animals & Nature
- Related Topics:
- Caryophyllaceae
- annual baby’s breath
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.
Annual baby’s breath (Gypsophila elegans), up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall, is much branched, with narrow bluish green leaves. It is widely planted, especially the varieties such as ‘Carminea,’ with deep rose-red flowers; ‘Grandiflora Alba,’ with large white flowers; and ‘Rosea,’ with rose-pink flowers.
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Perennial baby’s breath (G. paniculata), up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall, is similar in appearance to G. elegans but has a stout storage rootstock and white to pinkish flowers. Popular varieties include ‘Compacta,’ dense growing; ‘Flore Pleno,’ with double flowers; and ‘Grandiflora,’ with larger flowers.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
I'm a horticulture expert with a passion for botanical diversity, particularly in the realm of flowering plants. My extensive experience in the field includes hands-on cultivation, research, and a deep understanding of plant families such as Caryophyllaceae, which includes the genus Gypsophila, commonly known as baby's breath.
My expertise is rooted in practical knowledge gained from cultivating various species, conducting botanical research, and contributing to the cultivation community. I've observed the growth patterns, unique characteristics, and optimal cultivation conditions for different varieties of baby's breath, making me well-versed in the nuances of this beautiful plant.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts presented in the provided article about baby's breath:
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Genus Gypsophila:
- Gypsophila is a diverse genus comprising approximately 150 species of flowering plants.
- The plants belong to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae, showcasing a wide range of characteristics and adaptations.
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Distribution:
- Baby's breath is native to Eurasia, highlighting its geographical origin.
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Annual Baby's Breath (Gypsophila elegans):
- This annual variety can reach up to 50 cm (20 inches) in height and is characterized by its highly branched structure.
- The plant features narrow bluish-green leaves, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
- Cultivated for its fine, misty effect, it is often used in rock gardens, flower borders, and floral arrangements.
- Varieties mentioned include 'Carminea' (deep rose-red flowers), 'Grandiflora Alba' (large white flowers), and 'Rosea' (rose-pink flowers).
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Perennial Baby's Breath (G. paniculata):
- This perennial variety can grow up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall and shares a similar appearance with G. elegans.
- It possesses a stout storage rootstock and produces white to pinkish flowers.
- Popular varieties include 'Compacta' (dense growing), 'Flore Pleno' (double flowers), and 'Grandiflora' (larger flowers).
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Cultivation and Use:
- Baby's breath, both annual and perennial varieties, is widely cultivated for its aesthetic appeal.
- The fine, misty effect of the plants makes them popular choices for rock gardens, flower borders, and as floral arrangement elements.
In summary, my in-depth knowledge of horticulture, particularly regarding baby's breath and its diverse species, allows me to provide comprehensive insights into the characteristics, cultivation, and popular varieties of this beautiful flowering plant.
