Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000683
11/12/99

Gypsophila paniculata--Perennial Baby's Breath


Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 3 ft Spread: 3 ft
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: White, pink

Comments: Baby's Breath (Vis. 1) has bluish foliage but it
is usually hidden by a profusion of small, white, flowers.
The plant needs lots of room and tolerates poor soil but
does better in slightly alkaline garden soil. A sunny
location gives best results. The single or double blooms
may be dried. After the first flowering, cut back the
plant to encourage additional flowering. Planting should
be done in the spring and once established, the plant does
not like to be disturbed. The graft union of grafted
plants should be about one inch below the soil surface
after planting. More than one season may be needed before
the plants become well established.

Propagation: Desirable double varieties are grafted, other
methods are cuttings or seed. Commercial growers now use
tissue culture. Cuttings may be taken in mid-summer or
fall. The seed germinates in 1 to 2 weeks at 70 to 80
degrees.

Cultivars:
'Bristol Fairy' - Large panicles of double white
flowers.
'Compacta Plena' - Plants only 18 inches tall produce
double white flowers.
'Double Snowflake' - Double, white flowers.
'Festival' - Double pink flowers.
'Happy Festival' - Compact plants produce double white
flowers.
'Perfecta' - Double white flowers that are a little
larger than 'Bristol Fairy'.
'Pink Fairy' - Clear, light pink double (Vis. 3) flowers
are produced on plants (Vis. 2) with wiry stems.
'Snow Flake' - Double white flowers on plants 24 inches
tall.
'Viettes Dwarf' - A dwarf, 18 inches tall.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, White Flower
Farm 1999, Thompson and Morgan 1997, Bailey Nurseries 1999,
Wayside Gardens 1999, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Weston
Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Midwest
Groundcovers 1999, Willoway Nurseries 1999.


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