Product Description
Gypsophila SUMMER SPARKLES ('ESM Chispa' PP19318) (25) Bare Root Plants
Baby's Breath
Height: 23-27 Inches, Spread: 30-40 Inches
Flower Color: White shades, Foliage Color: Green shades
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Full sun
Blooms Late spring - Midsummer
Unlike most which are quite open in habit and go dormant in late summer, this new variety has a much more compact, refined looking form and looks great in the garden all season.
It forms a uniform, very densely branched, rounded clump of grey-green foliage that becomes completely covered in flowers from late spring through midsummer. The white flowers are small, semi-double, and slightly fragrant. They are borne prolifically on all sides of the plant. Deadheading the first round of flowers will encourage the plant to rebloom.
SUMMER SPARKLES® fits well into the middle of the flower border and also looks great in containers where it typically stays shorter. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant.
Bring a touch of airy elegance to your garden with Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles'! This improved variety of Baby's Breath offers a profusion of semi-double, slightly fragrant white flowers that bloom from late spring through midsummer . 'Summer Sparkles' is a significant improvement over older varieties, boasting a longer bloom time, a denser, more attractive habit, and better performance throughout the season . Unlike older varieties that tend to have a more open habit and go dormant in late summer, 'Summer Sparkles' forms a dense, mounded clump of gray-green foliage that remains attractive all season long .
Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' is a dream come true for gardeners seeking a long-blooming and versatile perennial. Imagine clouds of delicate white blossoms creating a cloud-like effect in the garden, adding a touch of romance and whimsy to any setting . The blooms are not only beautiful but also slightly fragrant, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your garden . 'Summer Sparkles' also excels as a dried flower, retaining its beauty for long-lasting arrangements .
This Baby's Breath is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a filler plant in perennial borders, softening the edges of bolder blooms and providing a backdrop for other plants . Its broad habit also makes it perfect for covering dying bulb foliage or other plants that go dormant in the summer . It is also perfect for containers, where its size remains more compact .
| Characteristic | Description |
| Botanical Name | Gypsophila paniculata 'Summer Sparkles' |
| Common Name | Baby's Breath 'Summer Sparkles' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-9 |
| Mature Size | 24-36 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom Time | Early summer to fall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Conditions | Well-drained soil |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast-growing |
| Shade Tolerance | Tolerates some light shade, particularly in hot climates |
Planting
To ensure your Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' thrives, follow these planting guidelines:
| Aspect | Instructions |
| Spacing | Space plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. |
| Soil Preparation | Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. |
| Soil pH | 'Summer Sparkles' prefers slightly alkaline soil. If your soil is acidic, amend it with lime at the time of planting . |
| Planting Depth | Plant the crown at the same level as it was in the pot. |
| Watering | Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. |
Care
Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' is relatively low-maintenance, but a little care will go a long way in ensuring its health and longevity:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot .
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth.
- Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding .
- Pruning: Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage a bushier habit.
- Staking: Plants may require staking, especially in exposed locations. Use bamboo stakes and twine, or support with twiggy branches .
- Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest- and disease-resistant.
- Tolerance: 'Summer Sparkles' is a tough and resilient plant that tolerates drought, wind, and rain, making it a reliable choice for a variety of garden conditions .
Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' is a delightful addition to any garden. With its long blooming season, clouds of delicate white flowers, and versatility, it is easy to see why this improved Baby's Breath is a favorite among gardeners. 'Summer Sparkles' thrives in a variety of conditions and is easy to care for, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Add Gypsophila 'Summer Sparkles' to your garden today and enjoy its beauty for years to come!
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!
