Secret Landscaping

Babys Breath

Gysophila

Gysophila bicolor
Very similar to G. paniculata, this taprooted, densely-branched perennial, reaches up to 3.3 feet in height. It is native from the Caucasus to central Asia; south to northern Turkey to Iran.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 2.3 x 0.5 inches in size, are blue-green.
The very abundant white flowers are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 ( 5 on protected sites ) in full sun on very well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant.

Gysophila cerastioides
A low, clumping perennial, reaching up to 16 inches x 2 feet.
It makes a great plant for the rock garden.
The leaves are up to 2 inches in length. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
The pure white flowers are purple veined.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun.

Gysophila fastigiata Silverstar
An upright but dwarf perennial, reaching only 1 foot in height. It is great for edging and containers.
The abundant, fragrant, tiny, white flowers are borne during late summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on very well drained soil.

Gysophila paniculata ( Babys Breath )
A deep taprooted, mounding perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet, that is native from southern and eastern Europe; east to central Asia.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are blue-green.
The very small, single, white flowers, up to 0.2 inches across, are borne on very large, airy panicles, up to 10 inches in length. The flowers are borne during early to mid summer, often repeating during autumn if cut back immediately after the first bloom. They are often cut, dried and used for floral arrangments.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun on alkaline, light, well drained soil. Thrives on alkaline soil, it does not like cold wet soil. Babys Breath does not like root disturbance once established. Slugs will sometimes feed on plants. Propagation is from seed, or semi-ripe cuttings for cultivars.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken on June 8 2012 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Compacta Plena
Compact and dwarf in habit, reaching a maximum height of 2 feet.
The double flowers are white.

Flamingo
Double, pale pink flowers.

Perfecta
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet, with double white flowers borne all summer long.

Pink Fairy
Forms a mound up to 3 x 3 feet, with double pink flowers borne all summer long.

Red Sea
Reaches up to 4 feet in height, with double rose-pink flowers.

Rosy Veil
Reaches up to 1 x 3 feet, with blue-green foliage and pale pink flowers.
Hardy zones 4 to 9.

Viettes Dwarf
Compact in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3.8 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet, with sprays of flowers that are pink fading to white.

Gysophila repens
A groundcover perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 4 feet. It is fast growing and can form a large mat in just 2 years. It looks great cascading over a rock wall.
The semi-evergreen foliage is blue-green.
The white flowers are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun on well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant..

Alba
White flowers.

Rosea
Pink flowers, otherwise identical.