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Gypsophila paniculata 'Bristol Fairy'

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Kemper Code:  H930

Common Name: baby's breath
Zone: 3 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: April - August  
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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Where is this species invasive in the US?

 
  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Grow in average, somewhat dry, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers alkaline soil (pH 7.0 to 7.5). Add lime to acidic soils. May not survive winter in wet, poorly drained soils. Likes to be left undisturbed once established. Cut back after flowering to promote rebloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Baby's breath is a mainstay filler plant of the floral industry. This cultivar is a diffusely branched, mound-forming plant that features numerous, long-lasting, double white flowers (1/4" wide) in open, airy panicles on wiry, jointed stems in summer. Lance-shaped foliage is somewhat sparse. Sprays of baby's breath are frequently used as filler in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to botrytis and aster yellows. May need staking or other support.

Uses:

Provides excellent contrast and texture to the perennial border. May be used as summer filler to cover areas once occupied by early spring wildflowers, bulbs or other plants which disappear into dormancy by early summer.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010


More photos:
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.