Gypsophila paniculata aka Baby's Breath

Taxonomy

Gypsophila paniculata, commonly known as baby's breath or panicled baby's-breath, is a tap-rooted perennial plant native to central and eastern Europe. This herbaceous perennial can grow up to 1.2m tall and wide, with slender stems and mounds of branching stems covered in clouds of tiny white flowers during the summer months. Its name "baby's breath" is derived from either the appearance of its delicate white flowers or the sour milk-like scent it emits. Baby's breath thrives in dry, sandy, and stony places, particularly on calcareous soils. It was first discovered by the Swiss-Russian botanist Johann Amman, who sent specimens to Linnaeus from St. Petersburg. This plant's airy form and numerous small flowers in white or pink make it a great addition to garden borders, providing an interesting contrast to larger flowers and dense shrubs. It can reach a height of 3 feet and width, or in dwarf varieties, 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. Baby's breath is also prized for its use in cut flower arrangements and dried flower displays. While suitable for USDA zones 3 through 9, it can be invasive in certain regions.

Common names

Baby's Breath, Tall Baby's Breath, Bachelor's Button

How to care for Baby's Breath

Difficulty

Baby's Breath presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Baby's Breath should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Baby's Breath loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Baby's Breath thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bachelor's Button.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Baby's Breath to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Baby's Breath is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.


More info:
Wikipedia