Logo

Creeping Baby's Breath (Gypsophilia repens)


Light:

Sunny location is best

Flowering:

Spring to early summer

Soil:

Well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.

Height:

4 to 8 inches

Color:

Light rosy pink

Hardiness:

Zone 3

Uses:

Rock gardens. walls. edging

Care:

Easy with sun and good drainage. Avoid moving or division once established. Tough and charming.

Native:

No

Comments:

Creeping Baby's Breath is similar to the more common Baby's Breath in its requirements; full sun and a well-drained soil are essential. It also resents disturbance so plants should not be moved or divided once they are established. The Latin name Gypsophila means lime-loving so lime should be added if soil is on the acid side.

Creeping Baby's Breath spreads to form leafy mats of gray-blue foliage about six inches tall. The small pink flowers are carried in broad flat clusters from late spring to early summer. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens or retaining walls where it creates a very nice effect, cascading over walls or stones. Plants can be pruned after flowering to maintain tidiness. This will sometimes encourage a second, but lesser, flush of bloom. Like the larger Baby's Breath, the flowers are easy to dry for wreaths and arrangements.

thevagary.com copyright © 2000-2021 the Vagary