Baby's Breath
gypsophila paniculata
Also known as: ["Gypsophila elegans","Gypsophila muralis"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant known for its delicate, airy clusters of small white or pink flowers, often used in floral arrangements.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Gypsophila |
| Botanical Name: | Gypsophila paniculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in full sun, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, alkaline soil; prefers sandy or loamy conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, alkaline soil
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain slightly alkaline pH.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during active growth.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in intense heat; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy stems to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Divide into smaller clumps; container-grown plants can move up one size.
Method
Gently divide the root ball; replant in well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Not typically needed unless grown in containers; divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Divide in spring; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow water to drain freely; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate lime to raise pH if needed; use compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may die back to the ground in severe winters but regrow from roots; frost can damage tender new growth.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch in fall to insulate roots; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, flowers may fade, and growth may slow in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to keep roots cool; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Gypsophila prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGypsophila paniculata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicGypsophila paniculata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicGypsophila paniculata is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is commonly used in floral arrangements and does not pose significant health risks.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Baby's Breath toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Baby's Breath?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Baby's Breath attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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