Bookworms easily could spend an hour or two in a bookstore, just to see what might spark their interest.
Bookworms easily could spend an hour or two in a bookstore, just to see what might spark their interest.
I will spend nearly as much time wandering through seed racks, looking for what’s new, or just looking for something to spark my interest.
The first package of seeds that landed in my shopping basket was baby’s breath, more properly known as Gypsophila.
Baby’s breath is not a knock-out, bold, colourful flower that takes centre stage in the garden. Rather, its’ multitude of tiny flowers are only appreciated when viewed close-up.
Flower shops are big fans of baby’s breath, making good company with any bouquet of cut flowers.
If you’ve ever received a dozen red roses, it likely was accompanied by a sprig or two of delicate looking baby’s breath.
Even on its own, baby’s breath makes a delightful cut flower.
Blooms easily last more than a few weeks, after which they begin to drop. Look for a vacuum cleaner to clean them up.
As the name suggests, baby’s breath’s blooms are pure white. Pink Creeping baby’s breath is less vigorous, growing only 15 to 20 centimetres (six to eight inches) high, suited for rock gardens.
The traditional baby’s breath is a pure white perennial, growing about 60 cm (two feet) high. It begins flowering early in summer and repeats blooming all summer. For more powerful blooms, cut back the first flush of blooms when they begin to fade, and it will respond quickly with more abundant and larger blooms.
Leaves of baby’s breath are insignificant, dull green and smallish. Thankfully, the leaves remain at the base of the plant, allowing flowers to rise to the challenge.
When picking stems for a vase, remove the leaves if you like, but I recommend leaving leaves intact, so the wiry stems won’t fall over.
In the perennial garden, plant baby’s breath in the background or among showier plants so they won’t be missed when cutting their stems. You won’t need many, because your cut flower bouquets can easily be served by two or three plants.
Plant baby’s breath in poor, well-drained soil. They want lots of sun and not much fertilizer or water.
If left alone, baby’s breath can drop seeds and multiply. In some locations, baby’s breath could be considered invasive, though easy to keep in check.
Baby’s breath can be started by planting seeds early in spring. Grow then indoors until weather warms up.
The perennial also can be bought as started plants in spring and summer.
For those who don’t want to commit to a plant that comes up year after year, try Covent Garden, an annual variety growing to nearly 75 cm (3 ft.) high.
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GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Baby’s breath appreciated up close
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29.03.2024
Bookworms easily could spend an hour or two in a bookstore, just to see what might spark their interest.
Bookworms easily could spend an hour or two in a bookstore, just to see what might spark their interest.
I will spend nearly as much time wandering through seed racks, looking for what’s new, or just looking for something to spark my interest.
The first package of seeds that landed in my shopping basket was baby’s breath, more properly known as Gypsophila.
Baby’s breath is not a knock-out, bold, colourful flower that takes centre stage in the garden. Rather, its’ multitude of tiny flowers are only appreciated when viewed close-up.
Flower shops are big fans of baby’s breath, making good company with any bouquet of cut flowers.
If you’ve........
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