There are different varieties of gypsophila, both annual and perennial. Colorful annual gypsophila, Latin Gypsophila muralis, is often used for planting pots and balcony boxes. Gypsophila paniculata, the tall gypsophila, is, however, hardy.
Is gypsophila perennial or annual?
Gypsophila (Gypsophila) comes in annual and perennial varieties. Annual gypsophila offers more variety of colors, but is not hardy. Perennial gypsophila is hardy and includes perennials and ground cover.
Particularly decorative varieties of gypsophila
The giant gypsophila (Crambe cordifolia) lives up to its name with a maximum height of 1.80 m. Its heart-shaped leaves are unusual but very decorative. Giant gypsophila blooms in June and July. The tall gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata) is less large, but has a pretty spherical or bushy growth habit.
The 1.20 m tall variety 'Flamingo' is also one of the perennials. The pink-red filled flowers will delight you until October. Quite the opposite is the upholstery gypsophila (Gypsophila repens) with a growth height of around 10 – 20 cm. It forms decorative flower carpets in white or pink and is ideal for rock or roof gardens.
Dark pink are the flowers of the 'Pink Beauty' variety. Gypsophila repens 'Alba', on the other hand, blooms in classic white. The variety 'Rosea' also shows its abundance of pink flowers from May to July. These ground cover plants also grow on dry stone walls or decorate your balcony boxes. You can also use it for small bouquets, such as a bridal bouquet. Tall varieties are better for large bouquets.
How do you overwinter baby's breath?
If you leave annual gypsophila standing over the winter, then it may self-fertilize. However, it is not winter hardy. Cut perennial gypsophila about a hand's width above the ground in autumn. Bedding plants do not need protection from the cold. But they should be protected from too much moisture, otherwise they will get root rot and won't survive the winter.
The most important things in brief:
- both annual and perennial
- greater variety of colors for annual varieties
- perennial gypsophila is hardy
- both perennials and ground cover
Tips & Tricks
If you want to know whether your baby's breath is actually perennial, then it's best to ask about it when you buy it. You can collect seeds from annual varieties to sow them next spring.
