Product Description
Gypsophila paniculata 'Perfecta'Common name: Baby's Breath.
Zones 3 to 9.
Full sun.
Plants reach 36 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide;
Clump forming habit.
Growth rate: Moderate, herbaceous mound-forming perennial. Relatively large, double white flowers float like wispy white clouds in early to midsummer, a couple of weeks later than the other varieties. If deadheaded, Gypsophila is likely to rebloom in early fall. This cultivar is similar to 'Bristol Fairy' but is a bit more robust. 'Perfecta'is propagated by tissue culture and is a first generation plant. Plants produced IN VITRO, by tissue culture methods result in consistent and vigorous plant growth, thick, healthy stems and superior flowering performance.
Long valued as a filler plant in perennial border gardens and also as a long-lasting cut flower. Its broad habit makes this plant the perfect cover up for dying bulb foliage or for perennials that go dormant in summer.
Baby's Breath grows best in average, somewhat dry, well-drained and slightly alkaline soil. This can be accomplished by adding lime to the soil at the time of planting if the original soil is acidic. Good drainage is essential to the health of this plant. Division is not recommended as a way to propagate Gypsophila because the large, fleshy roots it produces are easily damaged and should not be disturbed. Plants should be trimmed back in spring rather than fall.
Excellent as a border plant, cut or dried flowers, drought and salt tolerant. Sprays of baby's breath are frequently used as filler in bouquets and floral arrangements; an excellent dried flower. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
