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Annual Biennial

Gypsophila elegans
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

annual baby's breath

An erect, branching annual to about 60cm, with narrow, grey-green leaves. Loose sprays of star-shaped, white or carmine-pink flowers on long slender stalks are produced in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink White Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
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

Correct

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
  • 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

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