Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata 'Festival Star'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
20 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
Gypsophila paniculata is a perennial known for its profuse, cloud-like masses of tiny flowers on intricately branched stems, creating a delicate, airy effect. It has narrow, gray-green leaves. This cultivar is distinguished by its early flowering and compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for borders and cut flower arrangements with a long-lasting bloom period.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.
- Mist cuttings with water to encourage root growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.
- Deadhead spent flowers for prolonged blooms.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid heavy clay soils ❌
- Do not over-fertilize to prevent leggy growth
- Keep away from overly shaded areas ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Baby's Breath questions
What zones can Baby's Breath grow in?
Baby's Breath is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Baby's Breath deer resistant?
Yes — Baby's Breath is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Baby's Breath bloom?
Baby's Breath typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Baby's Breath need full sun?
Baby's Breath does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Baby's Breath drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Baby's Breath handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Gypsophila to compare
Creeping Baby's Breath 'Silver Carpet'
Gypsophila repens 'Silver Carpet'
Creeping Baby's Breath
Gypsophila repens 'Rosea'
Snowflake Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata 'Snow Flake'
Pink Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata 'Pink'
Pink Fairy Gypsophila
Gypsophila paniculata 'Pink Fairy'
Summer Sparkles Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata 'Summer Sparkles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Baby's Breath with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
