Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' (2024)

FAQs

How do you care for gypsophila summer sparkles? ›

For best results grow Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' in moist but well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage repeat flowering. Avoid disturbing plants once established, and cut down plants in spring.

Watering: Baby's Breath prefers well-draining soil, so be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage the development of a strong root system. Fertilizing: Baby's Breath doesn't require much fertilizer, as it can grow in poor soils.

Gypsophila (baby's breath) are annual, hardy perennial or alpine plants that are grown for their sprays of tiny, button-like flowers in summer, in shades of white or pale pink. Gypsophilas are a member of the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae.

Baby's breath can be grown in containers or it can be planted directly in the ground. It can do well in dry, hot conditions. It will germinate within a week or two, and takes around 6-7 weeks to reach maturity. Baby's breath grows as small clusters of flowers.

Also known as Gypsophila, it will keep fresh for a couple of weeks with proper care and handling. Although the stems need to be placed in clean, fresh water, the little blooms should not get wet. Please keep Baby's Breath in a cool environment for best results.

Wherever Gypsophila is planted, ensure its somewhere sunny. These plants prefer alkaline soil but can be grown in most neutral soils. They will not, however, tolerate acidic soils. Water only when the plants are young or through excessive periods of drought.

I often bed out the pretty Gypsophila elegans 'Kermesina' in the garden but I tend to keep a few back in 9cm pots, rather than move them on into larger pots. Keeping the pot size restricted causes the gypsophilia plants to bolt and flower sooner.

Clouds of tiny white flowers in summer make a lovely soft effect in the garden or can be cut for a vase. Drained but good soil in sun or part shade.

For consumers, a few care steps can greatly extend the beauty of Gypsophila. After purchase, the stems should be recut, and any leaves likely to be submerged in water should be removed, as they can promote bacterial growth. The flowers should then be arranged in a clean vase with fresh water and Chrysal flower food.

Baby's Breath are annual flowers, meaning their life cycle lasts only one year, and they are marked by their extremely tender composition.

What is the difference between baby's breath and gypsophila? ›

Baby's breath or also commonly called gypsophila is one of the most popular filler flowers for retail florists. These blooms have tiny white buds that are clustered on long lush stems. Gysophila represents undying love and romance making them a great selection for wedding design and Valentine's Day.

Baby's breath make good container plants. Use a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape. Annual baby's breath is so short-lived that it won't need repotting.

Baby's breath plants grow best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. But they will tolerate a bit of shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun. However, too much shade will result in leggy plants and poor flowering.

Its deep root system allows it to thrive in areas with low water availability, and it can disrupt the natural flow of water in these areas. Baby's breath is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

As gypsophila means “lime loving”, it is possible that your soil is too acidic. Gypsophila thrives in soils that are slightly alkaline. Applications of lime can assist in remedying this problem. The other possible cause of death is poor drainage.

Gypsophila Plant Care

Trimming off dead flowers stems once the blooms have faded as this can usually encourage a second run of flowers. During Winter they become dormant cut back to a few cm above ground level. These plants can be divided after a few years.

Consumer Gypsophila Care Tips

The flowers should then be arranged in a clean vase with fresh water and Chrysal flower food. The nutrient-rich flower food helps keep the Gypsophila vibrant and fresh for longer.

Gypsophila may be small, but it is a total showstopper in the garden. This delicate and airy plant will fill your garden with a sea of fluffy white or pink blooms, adding a fairy-tale touch to any outdoor space.

Baby's breath plants grow best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. But they will tolerate a bit of shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun. However, too much shade will result in leggy plants and poor flowering.