Creeping Baby's Breath
gypsophila repens
Also known as: ["Creeping Gypsophila","Rock Baby's Breath"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with delicate, airy flowers, native to Europe.
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 repens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to encourage new growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant regularly for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, alkaline soil with some lime content
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; use a soil mix with good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and high humidity until roots form.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for hardwood cuttings.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks; full establishment takes 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of individual stems; cut back to just above a healthy bud or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune during dry weather; remove dead or diseased wood first; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Check for root-bound roots; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom but avoid wetting foliage; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; adjust pH with lime if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage and slow growth; frost can kill tender parts of the plant.
Solution: Protect with a layer of mulch; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid watering before cold snaps to prevent frozen soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; water before applying; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGypsophila repens is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a risk of poisoning or adverse health effects when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGypsophila repens is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGypsophila repens is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Gypsophila repens require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Gypsophila repens?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Is Gypsophila repens invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive and spreads slowly.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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