Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata
Baby's Breath is a delicate perennial with clouds of tiny white or pink flowers. It symbolizes purity, innocence, and everlasting love, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic arrangements.
Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
Early to mid-summer (June-August), long-lasting
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: daisys and snowflakes also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
In Victorian flower language, Baby's Breath represented everlasting love and pureness of heart. It's traditionally used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize the innocence of new love and the hope for a pure, lasting union. In Christian symbolism, it represents the breath of the Holy Spirit.Botanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun
Water
Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Alkaline preferred (pH 7.0-8.5), Rocky
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds in fall or early spring directly in garden
Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot
Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping
Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming
Harvest for drying when flowers are fully open
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cut flowers and filler in arrangements
- Dried flowers for crafts and decorations
- Wedding bouquets and decorations
- Border plants and cottage gardens
- Ground cover in dry areas
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Baby's Breath
How long does baby's breath last as cut flowers?
Fresh baby's breath lasts 5-10 days in arrangements with proper care, and can be easily dried to last for months or years.
Is baby's breath easy to grow?
Yes, baby's breath is relatively easy to grow in well-draining, alkaline soil with full sun. It's drought tolerant and low maintenance once established.
Can baby's breath be grown as an annual?
While typically perennial, baby's breath can be grown as an annual in colder climates or started from seed each year for cut flower production.
Why is my baby's breath not blooming?
Poor blooming is often due to too much nitrogen fertilizer, insufficient sunlight, or overly rich, moisture-retentive soil. Baby's breath prefers lean, well-draining conditions.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Daisy
Bellis perennis (Common Daisy), Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye Daisy)
Daisies are cheerful, simple flowers with white petals radiating from a yellow center. They symbolize innocence, purity, new beginnings, and true love.
Snowflake
Leucojum aestivum (and other spp.)
Snowflake flowers are delicate bulbous perennials with drooping white bell-shaped blooms tipped with green. They symbolize purity, hope, and rebirth.
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia spp.
Calla lilies are elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms symbolizing purity, rebirth, and elegance—popular in weddings and formal arrangements.