Creeping baby's breath and Hardy ice plant are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Gypsophila repens 15 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
A dwarf alpine cousin of the tall baby's breath: it makes a grey-green, narrow-leaved cushion 10 to 20 cm tall that is covered in a cloud of tiny…
Delosperma cooperi 10 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A succulent mat barely a hand high that is covered from early summer to autumn in dazzling magenta-purple, daisy-like flowers. It belongs in blazing…
Hardy ice plant grows faster than Creeping baby's breath.
Creeping baby's breath is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -18 °C for Hardy ice plant.
Creeping baby's breath is cheaper: about €4.70 at the size usually planted, against about €7 for Hardy ice plant.
|
Feature
|
Creeping baby's breath
|
Hardy ice plant
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 15 cm × 45 cm | 10 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 10–20 cm × 30–50 cm | 8–15 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Calcareous, Sandy, Average garden soil | Sandy, Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | May–August, pink, white | June–September, purple, pink |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €4.70 | approx. €7 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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