Don’t let its delicate look fool you—baby’s breath is one tough bloom. Known for its tiny white (and sometimes pink!) flowers, this airy perennial is more than just a bouquet filler. Baby’s breath thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing very little fuss to flourish. With the right care—think light pruning and dry conditions—it’ll reward you with clouds of blooms from summer through fall. Whether you’re adding charm to a cottage garden or cutting fresh sprays for your vase, here’s how to grow baby’s breath like a pro.
About Baby’s Breath
The baby’s breath flower we know belongs to the genus Gypsophila. You’re probably most familiar with the perennial form of baby’s breath, which is a popular behind-the-scenes filler in bouquets, often setting off more colorful, larger blooms such as roses. It’s a common Valentine’s Day and wedding flower as well, and, fittingly, a symbol of everlasting love. See the Meaning of Flowers.
In flower gardens, the small, delicate five-petaled flowers and light green stems create an airy look that’s perfect for perennial beds, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. It nicely hides die-back from spring bulbs and flowers. Plant in groupings. Cut it back after flowering to encourage more blooms. We think baby’s breath looks lovely in a vase all on its own in big, billowy sprays.
While white is the most common color, baby’s breath comes in shades of pink, too! Blooming from late spring or summer through the fall, you can find baby’s breath in the wild in fields, roadsides, and open sandy areas. It’s drought-resistant and deer-resistant as well.
While they are dainty and beautiful, they are mildly toxic to pets and can be an irritant to humans, so don’t eat them or let Fido chew on them.
Also, check your state’s invasive plant list before growing baby’s breath. G. paniculata is considered an invasive species or a noxious weed in many Western states and other areas like the Great Lakes. In these areas, you may be able to grow annual varieties.