How to Grow Gypsophila
Gypsophila paniculata
Perennial baby's breath forms clouds of tiny white flowers from June to August. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage and alkaline soil. Once established, the deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant but impossible to move. Support stems with grow-through rings in spring. Cut back hard after flowering. Completely hardy in well-drained soil but rots in winter wet.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Prefers poor, well-drained, alkaline soil.
Watch For
- Crown rot in wet soil
- Generally pest-free
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Needs full sun for the best flower production. Will not thrive or flower well in shade. An open, airy position prevents fungal problems.
Watering
Drought tolerant once established
The deep taproot makes established plants very drought-tolerant. Water only in prolonged dry spells. Overwatering and wet soil cause crown rot, the main killer.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed, prefers poor soil
Thrives in poor, well-drained, alkaline soil. Add lime to acidic soils. Avoid rich feeding which produces floppy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Cut back hard after flowering
Cut all spent flower stems back hard after blooming finishes in late summer. This keeps the plant tidy and may encourage a lighter second flush.
Support
Grow-through rings in early spring
Place grow-through rings or twiggy sticks early in spring to support the airy stems. Without support, the flower cloud flops open under its own weight.
