Plant DetailShow Menu

Maidens Breath Gypsophila elegans

Phonetic Spelling
jip-SOF-il-uh ELL-eh-ganz
Description

This is the annual form of Baby's Breath. The blooms are larger and more open than the perennial form used by florists. It is frequently found in wildflower mixtures and has moderate drought tolerance. Excessive rain can cause baby’s breath to develop root rot problems.

Plants will grow quickly from seed, just lightly covered with soil,  and can tolerate a light frost. It is a very short-lived annual dying after only 5 - 6 weeks but can be planted every 3-4 weeks until July to insure continuous blooming.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#neutral pH#deer resistant#small flowers#flowers late spring#sandy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#neutral pH#deer resistant#small flowers#flowers late spring#sandy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gypsophila
    Species:
    elegans
    Family:
    Caryophyllaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Ukraine to West & Northern Iran
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    profusion of small 5-petaled white flowers on thread-like stems
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil