Gypsophila Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gypsophila plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Baby's Breath, Gyp, & Soap Root: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Gypsophila plant genus can be hardy annuals or perennials.

They range in height from 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) in height. Gypsophila plants have lance shaped, linear to triangular leaves and wire like stems.

They bloom from late in spring through to summer, and carry small massed flowers of white.

Gypsophila muralis by karitsu.

A commonly grown Gypsophila plant in the garden is Baby's Breath.

Gypsophila Video

The following video contains pictures of growing Gypsophila plants

Commonly Grown Gypsophila Species

Gypsophila muralis

Gypsophila muralis (Low Baby's Breath), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.

Gypsophila cerastioides

Gypsophila cerastioides (Alpine Baby’s Breath), picture by 阿橋 HQ; CC.

Gypsophila elegans

Gypsophila elegans – Baby's Breath by Hyougushi's.

Plant Specific Growing Gypsophila Guides

Gypsophila paniculata Growing Guide

Gypsophila paniculata, conocida como "velo de novia" by Enrique Dans

The following is largely focused on the Gypsophila paniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’ cultivar, but the advice should suffice for other cultivars.

The common name for this species is Baby’s breath, though it is usually referred to in the floristry trade as Gyp. It is a native of Europe and Asia.

Baby’s breath is an herbaceous perennial that usually reaches 60 to 120 cm (2–4 feet) in height, and as a spread of a similar amount.

Stems are slender. Leaves are narrow and greyish. Flowers are small, showy, double, sprayed, and white.

They are long lasting with a long blooming season, typically from mid-spring through to the end of summer. Cutting back spent Gypsophila paniculata flowers will encourage further blooming.

Plants perform well in average, alkaline soils (pH 7–7.5) that are well-drained. It does not like freestanding water in the winter (this will lead to stems rotting). Locate in a sunny part of the garden.

Although diseases and insects are not particularly problematic be on the look out for aster yellows and the necrotrophic fungus botrytis.

If you require further Gypsophila paniculata then propagate by root grafting towards the end of winter (graft stem scions onto root sections). Plants look great as part of a perennial border.

Due to its popularity in gardens and the floristry trade it is no surprise that Baby’s breath plants have escaped and become invasive in many parts of the USA, they are particularly a problem in the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest regions.

Gypsophila repens Growing Guide

Gypsophila repens L. by Udo Schmidt

Common names for the perennial Gypsophila repens, include Creeping Gypsophila, Creeping Baby’s breath, and Alpine Gypsophil. It is a native of C & S mountainous regions of Europe.

Plants are prostrate and semi-evergreen, reaching a height of about 15 to 20 cm (6–8 inches). They typically spread by about twice their height (approx. 40 to 50 cm; 16 to 20 inches).

Plants bloom throughout the summer, carrying lilac, pale purple, or white star shaped flowers; these are about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in size.

As Gypsophila repens are mat-forming they look great in a rock garden, patios, and is oft used in flower arrangements.

The scientific name of the species refers to the fact that it loves chalk (Gypsum). So it is no surprise that it performs best in chalky, alkaline soils.

Good drainage is very important, especially in the winter, where plants may be subject to stem rot. Ideally grow in full sunlight, and cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.

Gypsophila elegans plant growing guide

Gypsophila elegans by Ángel Hernansáez

Common names for Gypsophila elegans Gypsophila elegans include Showy Baby’s breath and Annual baby’s breath. Plants are annuals that are native to Europe and South-west Asia. A commonly grown cultivars include Gypsophila elegans ‘Covent Garden’.

These plants have a much simpler nature than the Gypsophila repens and Gypsophila paniculata that are beloved by florists, but this not to say that they do not make a good cut-plant, indeed they look great in a vase and can last for up to a week. Flowers are single and unscented.

Gypsophila elegans range from 25 to 50 cm (10¬–20 inches) in height, and should be spread at about 30 to 40 cm (12–16 inches). The stem is bright green, and branched towards the top.

Leaves are lanceolate-linear and opposite. They bloom from mid-late summer.

Their flowers are larger than the perennial members of the species, typically reaching 1.5 cm (0.6 inches). White flowers have five petals, with are violet stripes.

Like other Gypsophila, they will perform best in full sunlight in a chalky, slightly-alkaline average soil, and good drainage, especially in the winter, is very important.

Cutting back plants will encourage growth and further blooms. Plants make great container plants and also look great towards or at the front of borders.

How to Grow Gypsophila plants - general genus guide

When growing perennial Gypsophila species they can be sown out at the start of spring or autumn.

Annual Gypsophila such as annual Baby's breath should be sown at three week intervals from march until the start of July.

In both cases lightly cover the Gypsophila seeds once sown.

Spacing is species dependent; grow small varieties at about 50 cm (20 inches) apart and larger ones from 60 cm to 1.2 m (2 to 4 feet) apart.

Ideally grow them in a sunny part of the garden.

They will grow in an average soil but like a pH close to neutral (6.5 to 7.5), and good drainage.

If you plan to start Gypsophila indoors then start off about six weeks (annuals) to ten weeks (perennials) in advance.

Transplant annuals out after the last frost; transplant perennial Gypsophila plants before the last frost or at the start of autumn.

Caring for Gypsophila

It is fairly easy to look after Gypsophila species such as Baby breath flowers. Lightly water and feed annual varieties; regularly water perennial Gypsophila.

Once they have finished blooming cut back the stems; this should result in a further bloom. If you want more plants then propagate perennial Gypsophila by taking cuttings at the start of summer.

Common Questions

How many members does the Gypsophila genus have?

The Gypsophila genus contains about 100 species.

Do members of Gypsophila make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Gypsophila, known as Baby's Breath, is popular for its delicate, cloud-like clusters of small flowers, used in gardens and floral arrangements.

Which Gypsophila species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Gypsophila paniculata is the species most commonly grown by gardeners for its plentiful white flowers.

Are members of the Gypsophila plant genus fragrant?

Some species of Gypsophila are fragrant, including the popular Gypsophila paniculata.

What is the perfect location to grow Gypsophila?

Gypsophila prefers a sunny location with well-drained, alkaline soil. It's drought-tolerant once established.

Is Gypsophila invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Gypsophila paniculata is recognized as invasive in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast of the USA.

How do I remove Gypsophila plants from my garden?

To remove Gypsophila, dig up the plants and ensure that all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Gypsophila genus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Commonly known as Baby's Breath, these annual or perennial plants are adored for their small, delicate, white or pink flowers that create a cloud-like effect.

Sow Gypsophila seeds in the spring, in a sunny location with well-drained, alkaline soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require little maintenance. Regular watering during dry periods and light feeding will enhance their growth and blooming.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gypsophila plants. You may also enjoy these plant growing information pages: Hibiscus syriacus; Christmas Fern; Smooth Sumac; and Callirhoe involucrata, or my guide on How to make compost in the garden.