Creeping baby's-breath (Gypsophila repens)

Creeping baby's-breath

Also known as: Creeping chalk plant, Creeping gypsophila

Creeping baby's-breath is a creeping flowering plant. Its Latin name (Gypsophila repens) means "creeping chalk lover," referencing the plants love for dry, chalky slopes like those in the European mountains. In summer, it is recognizable by it's many star-shaped flowers. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping baby's-breath (Gypsophila repens)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

15 cm

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Creeping baby's-breath

Distribution of Creeping baby's-breath

Distribution Map

Creeping baby's-breath is a plant primarily native to parts of Central Europe, extending to the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions. It has been introduced to regions of Northern Europe. Traditionally found in its natural habitats, creeping baby's-breath is also cultivated in gardens, where it adapts well beyond its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rock gardens, against dry stone walls.

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Creeping baby's-breath, including the following common varieties :

Creeping baby's-breath 'Rosenschleier'Creeping baby's-breath 'Dorothy Teacher'

Care Guide for Creeping baby's-breath

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Creeping baby's-breath thrives in alpine-like conditions with well-drained soil and intermittent moisture. Water weekly to maintain health, but it tolerates drought, making it ideal for rock gardens. It prefers a balanced soil moisture level, avoiding over-saturation during its active growth season.

Fertilize: Apply high-phosphorus fertilizers to creeping baby's-breath every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for strong roots and blooms. Avoid fertilization in winter. Incorporate nutrients gently into the soil to prevent root damage, enhancing creeping baby's-breath's health and flowering capacity.

Pruning: Creeping baby's-breath is a mat-forming perennial with delicate white flowers. Prune in early to late spring by cutting back spent blooms and straggly growth to encourage reblooming, improve health, and prevent overcrowding. Use clean, sharp tools for effective cuts and minimize plant stress.

Propagation: Creeping baby's-breath prefers propagation by sowing seeds after the last frost in well-draining soil and sunny spots. Press seeds gently into the soil, ensuring they receive light for germination. Water moderately to maintain moisture. Seedlings emerge in 2-3 weeks; thinning may be needed to prevent overcrowding.

Repotting: Repot creeping baby's-breath every 2-3 years in early spring using a shallow, wide pot for its spreading habit. Provide well-draining soil and moderate watering to prevent root rot. Its resilience makes creeping baby's-breath ideal for rock gardens or wall plantings.

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Images of Creeping baby's-breath

Distribution of Creeping baby's-breath

Cultivars

Care Guide for Creeping baby's-breath

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