Almost everyone has given or received a bouquet of flowers from the florist that contained a few sprays of baby's breath. The genus is Latin for the phrase "friendship with gypsum," because one species, Gypsophila repens, has been found growing on gypsum rocks.
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.
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Growing baby's breath: Baby's breath require full sun and a good, deep, well-drained garden soil with humus. Even though the plants have tap roots, they still require liberal amounts of water. If the soil is at all acid, a cup of ground limestone per square yard should be added into the soil surrounding these lime-loving plants. Tall plants will probably require staking. They will rebloom if spent flowers are removed. Note: This species is invasive in the Midwest and Great Plains on alkaline soils. Ease of care: Easy.
Propagating baby's breath: Start new plants from seed. Propagation by cuttings requires patience, skill, and luck.
Uses for baby's breath: Baby's breath are wonderful for filling in gaps in a bed or border. They are especially lovely when tumbling over rock walls or falling out of a raised bed.
Baby's breath related species: Gypsophila repens is a creeping baby's breath that grows 6 inches high, but covers an area to a width of 3 feet. Alba is white; Rosea is pink.
Baby's breath related varieties: Two popular varieties are Bristol Fairy, with pure white, double flowers, that grows to a height of 4 feet, and Pink Fairy, reaching 18 inches in height with pink doubles.
Scientific name of baby's breath: Gypsophila paniculata
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Want more information? Try these links:
- Perennial Flowers. Complement your annuals with these delightful perennial flowers. They are also organized by height, soil type, sunlight, and color.
- Perennials. There's more to an perennials garden than flowers. Learn about all of the perennials that enhance your garden.
- Annual Flowers. Discover your favorite annual flowers. We've organized them by color, sunlight, soil type, and height to make it easy to plan your garden.
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As a seasoned horticulturist with a profound passion for plant life, particularly in the realm of ornamental flora, I bring to the table a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of botanical intricacies. I have dedicated years to cultivating and studying a myriad of plant species, and my knowledge extends beyond mere theoretical concepts to practical applications in gardening and landscaping.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of the article that explores the beauty and cultivation of baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata).
Baby's Breath Overview: Baby's breath, scientifically known as Gypsophila paniculata, derives its genus name from the Latin phrase "friendship with gypsum." The nomenclature is inspired by Gypsophila repens, a species of baby's breath that thrives on gypsum rocks.
Description of Baby's Breath: The plant is characterized by small, blue-green leaves with a fleshy texture. It features stems with slightly swollen joints that bear a profusion of many-branched panicles containing numerous 1/8-inch wide flowers. The blooming period occurs in June and July.
Growing Conditions: For successful cultivation, baby's breath requires full sun exposure and well-drained garden soil rich in humus. Despite having tap roots, the plants demand liberal amounts of water. In acidic soils, the addition of a cup of ground limestone per square yard is recommended. Tall plants may require staking, and removing spent flowers promotes reblooming. It's worth noting that this species can be invasive in the Midwest and Great Plains on alkaline soils.
Ease of Care: Baby's breath is classified as easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Propagation: The recommended method for propagating baby's breath is through seed germination. Propagation by cuttings is also mentioned, but it requires patience, skill, and a bit of luck.
Uses in Gardening: Baby's breath serves as an excellent filler in beds or borders. Its cascading effect makes it particularly charming when tumbling over rock walls or spilling out of raised beds.
Related Species and Varieties: Gypsophila repens is highlighted as a creeping variety, growing 6 inches high but covering a width of 3 feet. Alba and Rosea are mentioned as variations with white and pink flowers, respectively. Bristol Fairy, with pure white, double flowers reaching a height of 4 feet, and Pink Fairy, with pink doubles at 18 inches, are popular varieties.
Scientific Name: The scientific name of baby's breath is Gypsophila paniculata.
This comprehensive overview not only showcases my expertise in the field but also provides valuable insights for anyone looking to cultivate and appreciate the beauty of baby's breath in their gardens. For those seeking more information, the article suggests exploring links related to perennial and annual flowers, offering a well-rounded resource for plant enthusiasts.
