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Herbaceous Perennial

Gypsophila paniculata 'Bristol Fairy' (d)

baby's breath 'Bristol Fairy'

An herbaceous perennial to 1.2m in height, making a broad mound of slender stems with narrow, grey-green leaves and large, open panicles of pure white double flowers 12mm in width in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer White Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Gypsophila can be annuals or perennials, sometimes evergreen, with narrow, greyish leaves and large sprays of small flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a deep, light, preferably alkaline, very well-drained soil in full sun; dislikes winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by the specialised root grafting in late winter. Here scions of stem are grafted onto sections of root.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by a stem rot

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.