Baby's breath
Common Name: Baby's breath
Genus: Gypsophila
Species: paniculata
Cultivar: 'Bristol Fairy'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Moist
Height: 120cm
Spread: 120cm
Time to divide plants: March to April
Flowering period:
June
to
August
A neat rosette forms at the base of the plant, and the flowers grow in light, airy, almost leafless sprays, the wiry stems winding in between neighbouring flowers. The flowers appear in early midsummer and, unless cut, remain on the plants throughout summer and dry out naturally to make just as much impact as when they first open. Plants are tap-rooted and do not move once established - however, clumps are not invasive, so there is no need to try and divide them. Plants can be short lived, especially if drainage is not extremely sharp. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Around the BBC
bbc.co.uk navigation
BBC links
BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.