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Annual Biennial

Gypsophila elegans 'Covent Garden'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

annual baby's breath 'Covent Garden'

A hardy annual with slim, green to grey leaves and slim stems which produce masses of small white flowers from mid to late summer

Other common names
showy baby's breath ‘Covent Garden'
Synonyms
Gypsophila elegans 'Covent Garden White'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer White Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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

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