Decorative Flowering Plant: Gypsophila, Baby’s Breath
BY WIKILAWN | JUNE 22ND, 2011 | ANNUALS, FLOWERS, HERBACEOUS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS AND BUSHES, ZONE 10A, ZONE 10B, ZONE 3A, ZONE 3B, ZONE 4A, ZONE 4B, ZONE 5A, ZONE 5B, ZONE 6A, ZONE 6B, ZONE 7A, ZONE 7B, ZONE 8A, ZONE 8B, ZONE 9A, ZONE 9BGypsophila is a genus of about 100 very decorative flowering plants. A number of species are grown commercially and used as cut flowers in floral arrangements or as fillers in flower bouquets. For gardeners and landscape designers, Gypsophila are prime choice for rock gardens and borders. These herbaceous perennial and annual plants produce dense sprays of small and delicate flowers.
Gypsophila (Baby Breath) Flowers, Image © Petr Kocna
Popular species of Gypsophila include Gypsophila Elegans, Gypsophila Elgans ‘Grandiflora Alba’, Gypsophila Paniculata, Gypsophila Repens, and Gypsophila Pilosa.
How to Grow Gypsophila
Gypsophila are easy to grow, fast growing plants that can be propagated from seeds or divisions. Seeds germinate quickly and young plants rapidly become small flowering shrubs. As the greek name suggests Gypso (chalk) phila (to love), these plants like chalky soil, however, they can be grown in almost any well drained and fertilized soil. Gypsophila prefer bright sunlight and moderate water, and withstand frost.
Common name of Gypsophila is Baby’s Breath.