Gypsophila paniculata Seeds | Baby’s Breath
LATIN NAME: Gypsophila paniculata
COMMON NAME: Baby’s Breath
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a perennial. Baby’s breath is airy, cloud-like perennial of dry plains, and its masses of tiny, white, star-shaped flowers are one of great fillers of flower world. Slender, wiry stems branch into a fine, many-flowered cloud of small, white, sometimes pink flowers through summer, and the whole plant has a light, misty look. It is classic companion of cut flowers and bridal bouquets, and it dries well for winter arrangements. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the Gypsophila group, Gypsophila paniculata draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Baby’s breath has a steady place in plant science, and it has been studied for its airy, many-flowered heads and its long record as a cut flower. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Baby’s Breath has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Baby’s breath is grown for cut flowers, and airy, cloud-like heads are classic filler of bouquets, arrangements and bridal work. Tiny, white, star-shaped flowers also dry well for winter displays, and plant is a fine, easy addition to sunny border and cutting bed. It is a generous, easy plant of sunny, well-drained, chalky ground. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Baby’s breath is the classic filler of bouquets; its saponin-rich roots have traditional soap-making and expectorant records but are not for home use.
Growing from Seed
Baby’s Breath is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
It forms a perennial, which makes spacing and siting straightforward. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
Related Reading
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