Wedding bells are ringing again, and with it comes the rush for Baby’s Breath flowers. Have you ever wondered why these flowers are used on many occasions? It’s because of what it signifies. Many people believe that the flower is a symbol of good luck, a new life, and immense love. It symbolizes purity and innocence, and that’s why it has been adopted for many occasions like baptisms, baby showers, sometimes birthdays, and especially weddings. The flower doesn’t only represent these qualities, it embodies them with its look. Its tiny and beautiful flowers look so delicate and precious. You’d treat it almost like you’d treat a child. In a bouquet, it’s compact and beautiful. And when a lot of it is used to decorate a white room, you’d feel like you’re in paradise. It’s an absolutely gorgeous flower.
Not only is it a favourite for interior decorators, but it’s also a gardener favorite as well. If you are excited to dive into the world of Baby’s Breath, then there are some basics to get familiar with. Let’s start from the ground up, right where it all begins.
History of Baby’s Breath Flower
The Baby’s Breath flower, native to Africa, Eurasia, Australia, and the Pacific Island, is a genus of the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. Flowers that belong to this Genus, Gypsophila, are usually referred to as Baby’s Breath flowers, and they come in different forms and colours like pink, light blue, etc. But the most popular of the species is called Gypsophila Paniculata. Yep, the one you are thinking about right now.
The Gypsophila Paniculata is a perennial plant native to eastern and central Europe. It is a small and beautiful flower, growing to only about 4 feet. Its distinctive white flowers can be recognized by anyone, and its scent of sour milk, like a baby’s vomit (in a good way), is where it’s thought to get its unique name from.
The use of Baby’s Breath can be traced back to the Victorian era when it was used for celebrations and planted in gardens for beautification. Over time, it has solidified its name in the décor scene and is the preferred flower for any event that feels like a new beginning.
Use of Baby’s Breath Flower
Well, by now you know what it’s widely used for; decoration. But besides being a pretty face, the flower also has a lot of medicinal and even other benefits. For instance, did you know that Baby’s Breath is a great source of saponins? Saponins are organic compounds that can be used for a variety of purposes, the most popular being the making of soaps and shampoos. Imagine smelling like a field of flowers on a summer day. Marvelous! Some species can also be used as ingredients for a list of delicious foods like halva dessert, liqueur, ice cream, and cheese. Don’t try to eat the leaves off the stem directly though, that could lead you to a hospital.
How To Plant Baby’s Breath Flower
If you’re a gardener looking to grow Baby’s Breath, then this is probably the part you have been waiting for. Firstly, you need to know that your seeds should be planted after frost so as not to damage them. Or you could plant them indoors in a pot, and then transfer them outdoors after frost.
They would do perfect indoors, but if you have plans to take them out to the gardens later, make sure they spend at least 6 – 8 weeks in their pots before the transfer. And plant on a day that the weather conditions are not a lot different from the one inside; maybe early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent shock due to rapid change in environment.
Where Can I Plant My Baby’s Breath?
Now, just like with any plant, there are a couple of things to know before putting that seed in the ground. What would the seed need, and where would be the best place to plant the Baby’s Breath flowers?
Where There Is Enough Sunlight
The Baby’s Breath loves its vitamin D. It needs a good amount of sunlight to grow healthily, so making sure your garden has access to direct sunlight, especially in the mornings is vital. The sun will not only make your flower healthy; it will also give you a taste of what heaven looks like. The white flowers swaying from side to side as the wind blows is a sight to behold, and you can stare for hours. Still, for perfect health, it needs a lot more than sunlight.
On Slightly Alkaline and Dry Soil
The Baby’s Breath prefers a slightly alkaline soil unlike most other flowers that prefer acidic. And it needs soil with great drainage so it doesn’t get swampy as it’s not a fan of too much water.
In a Non-invasive Area
While the Baby’s Breath is a great plant and extremely beautiful, it is also extremely invasive. If you plant some Baby’s Breath in your garden, the probability that it begins to grow on your walls and in front of your porch is medium to high. And if you also want to grow other plants, there could be a problem. So, you need to control it. Make sure that it’s not a problem in your area before going ahead to plant it.
How to Care for My Baby’s Breath Flower
The Baby’s Breath flower does not demand a lot of maintenance or attention but they’re unforgettable. Unlike what its name suggests, it can pretty much thrive on its own, mostly. Once the sunlight conditions are met, your plant will grow without you having to check on it every second of every day.
At the early stages, you have to water properly but as time passes, you should reduce watering a lot since the plant thrives in dry soil. Pruning is also important to maintain a uniform and great looking garden. When the plant is about 10 inches long, prune it to speed up branching and flowering. And then at the end of summer, you cut the stems.
For growth, compost on the soil is enough; it doesn’t take a lot for Baby’s Breath flowers to grow strong and healthily.
Types of Baby’s Breath Flowers
There are about 150 different species of this elegant plant, each with its unique look and colour. If you’ve decided to plant Baby’s Breath but are still weighing the scale on which type to plant, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most beautiful types to bring some personality to your space or event.
Bristol Fairy
The Bristol fairy is a gardener’s top choice. Its airy, pretty white flowers add colour to any background. It grows up to about 48 inches in height and its flowers are about a quarter inch tall. It loves direct sunlight and it requires light and well-drained soil. Usually, they grow in clumps which bring out the beauty of the plant. It will look perfect in a pot anywhere in the house, or even fully grown on the lawn. It’s just a perfect flower for decoration. Little wonder it’s a must-have in wedding receptions and many other events.
Perfecta
As the name suggests, this species of baby breath flowers are perfect! Its double white flowers are extremely attractive and it grows about half inch wide. The plant grows to about 36 inches tall. The standard PH for growing the perfecta plant is neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 – 8.0). It could survive in a range of temperatures, and is even used as a filler when other plants die away in certain seasons.
Carmine Baby’s Breath flowers
The Carmine Baby’s Breath flowers is one of the few species that can do well in full to partial shade sunlight. It grows to about 16 inches in height and blooms in the summer. It thrives in dry soil like the others but will also do well in moderately moist soil. You can say it is a lower maintenance plant than the others but it doesn’t look like it when it’s in full bloom and its red flowers brighten up the entire garden.
Viette’s Dwarf
I know the name suggests that it’s a short plant, but it stands at about 15 inches when fully grown (It is short, but is not very far from the carmine). The pink flowers of this species give it a very unique and distinct colour, and has made it a go-to for baby showers, especially when the child happens to be a girl. The flower is unique in the sense that it blooms through summer and spring.
How To Use Your Baby’s Breath Flowers for the Best Designs and Decorations
Thinking about how best to use your flowers? You’re in luck. Not only because you’re about to get some design tips, but these flowers are naturally easy to work with. They bring a soft spot to any setting, so it’s pretty hard to go wrong. Mostly let them do their thing and you’ll see the magic.
In a Pot on a Table
Have you ever gone to an event where there are seats that have been beautifully set around the table? Baby’s Breath flowers would look perfect right at the center. Just make sure the flowers match the theme of the event. For instance, a gold and white tablecloth with white Baby’s Breath is chef’s kiss. In your home, you could try putting a a small pot on your table in the living area or dining room bringing a little class to your space. Why don’t you try it out? You will love it!
Around the frame of the Entrance
This is a no-brainer, and you might have seen it a few times in events. The entrance of a room is like a first impression; it matters a bunch. Covering the frame of an entrance with Baby’s Breath is like saying ‘Welcome to something special’ and it always looks magnificent. Even at home, if perhaps you don’t have a lot of flowers, a little piece attached to the door can still add that simple elegance you need. It’s simple but still has a big impact.
Along the Walls
You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you how beautiful a pink Baby’s Breath would look on a pink, blue, or white wall. Flowers along the walls are always a win. It brings life and personality to the room without much fuss.
Just Letting Them Grow Out
Outside, Baby’s Breath practically decorates itself. They look magnificent on their own, so let them just do that. A path through a field of white baby breath flowers is a path that anyone would love to walk through, any day. Keep them trimmed though; we want a field not a forest.
Setting them by your bedside
Another amazing way to use your Baby’s Breath is setting them by your bedside. A bedside table, by the window sill, wherever your eyes can have direct interaction with it from your bed. Your bed is the place you start your day in the morning (except you’re all about the nightlife) and the last place you go to after a hard day’s work. It’s only fair that you have something to brighten up the room, and even your mood. It’s scientifically proven that your environment translates into your mood, and your mood in turn translates into your output. So, if your place is filled with amazing flowers and a great scent, then it’s likely that you’d be motivated to work and probably get better results
Bottom Line
The Baby’s Breath flowers are very different from other kinds of flowers when it comes to use, meaning, and beauty. It has a special place in the hearts of gardeners, it leaves a lasting impression. And if you want to leave an impression on someone, a simple bouquet of Baby’s Breath flowers might be all you need. You never know.