Related to the carnations and commonly known as baby's breath, the 100-odd annuals and perennials in this genus occur naturally throughout Eurasia. They range from spreading mat-forming plants studded with pink or white blooms to upright shrubby species with billowing heads of tiny flowers. Their simple linear to lance-shaped leaves are sometimes rather fleshy and often blue-green. The flowering season is only short lived, but it can be prolonged by resowing every 3 weeks to give continuous blooms. Gypsophila paniculata and its cultivars are popular cut flowers that are often used by florists to add to bunches of brighter bolder blooms as backing foliage. They can also be used successfully in dried flower arrangements.
CULTIVATION
Gypsophila means chalk-loving, but most species are happy in any neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is fertile, moist, and well-drained. Mat-forming species are excellent rockery plants. Plant in full sun. Larger types will often rebloom if cut back after their first flush. Propagate from basal cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
Not fussy about soil type, summer-flowering baby's breath will quickly fill bare areas of the garden where a burst of color and speedy coverage are needed.
CULTIVATION
Gypsophila means chalk-loving, but most species are happy in any neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is fertile, moist, and well-drained. Mat-forming species are excellent rockery plants. Plant in full sun. Larger types will often rebloom if cut back after their first flush. Propagate from basal cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
Not fussy about soil type, summer-flowering baby's breath will quickly fill bare areas of the garden where a burst of color and speedy coverage are needed.
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