Gypsophila paniculata
baby’s breath
c aryophyllaceae
Tiny white or pink flowers in large, airy
clusters; linear blue-gray leaves
2–3 ft. high; 3 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–August
Zones 3–9
pruning Deadhead gypsophila
throughout the summer for more
flower production and to keep it
looking fresh. Deadhead to lateral
flowers, and when all flowering is
finished cut stems down to the rosette
of foliage for rebloom in the autumn.
other maintenance
Well-draining soil is essential to
survival. Plants prefer alkaline
conditions. More compact cultivars
should be selected to eliminate or
reduce the need for staking. Division is
not recommended due to the thick
roots of baby’s breath. Short-lived.
related plantS Gypsophilapaniculata ‘Bristol Fairy’, a 2-ft.-tall
form, usually doesn’t need staking.
‘Pink Fairy’ grows to 18 in. and requires
no staking. ‘Rosenschleier’ (‘Rosy
Veil’) is more tolerant of wet condi-
tions, more vigorous, and longer lived
than other taller cultivars. It grows to
18 in.
Gypsophila repens, creeping baby’s
breath, is hardier than G. paniculata
and longer lived in heavy soil
conditions.Helenium autumnale
common sneezeweed
compoSitaeRed, yellow, or orange daisylike flower
heads; narrow green leaves
3–5 ft. high; 3 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms July–October
Zones 3–8
pruning The species and cultivars of
common sneezeweed can be pruned in
a variety of ways to reduce height andGypsophila paniculata