Baby's Breath (Gypsophila)

Gypsophila includes annual and perennial flowering plants grown for their clouds of small blooms on fine stems. Size, flower color, and garden behavior vary among species and named selections, so use cultivar-specific details when spacing or care matters. ## Growing Many garden forms grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Perennial baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) prefers alkaline to neutral soil and dislikes winter wet; annual G. elegans also needs good drainage and may flower less in partial shade. See [North Carolina Extension's perennial baby's breath guidance](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gypsophila-paniculata/) and its [annual G. elegans profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gypsophila-elegans/) for the differences. ## Garden Use Use airy flower stems in sunny borders and cutting gardens, selecting a perennial or annual species to suit the planting. The genus name covers plants with different mature sizes and flowering habits; check the named variety's own measurements before setting spacing. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone well drained, especially in winter. For G. paniculata, cut stems back after flowering if a later flush is desired, as described by [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gypsophila-paniculata/).