How big does Baby's breath grow?

About 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Baby's breath grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Baby's breath hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Baby's breath flower?

Flowering: June–September, white, pink.

How much water does Baby's breath need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Baby's breath

Gypsophila paniculata

Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,500.

Illustration of Baby's breath — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

In summer its much-branched, wiry dome turns into a cloud of tiny white or pale pink flowers, which makes it ideal for hiding the gaps left by plants that go dormant early (oriental poppies, spring bulbs), and it is excellent for cutting and drying. It wants a sunny, dry, well-drained, neutral to limy soil: add lime to acidic ground, and expect to lose it in heavy soil that is wet in winter. Because of its thick, deep taproot, plant it where it is to stay, as it does not tolerate being moved.

Watch out for

The root rots in heavy soil that is wet in winter, and the plant sulks in acidic soil. A large plant can flop after rain and may need support. Botrytis and aster yellows can occur. Because of the taproot it tolerates neither transplanting nor division. Do not cut grafted double-flowered cultivars back below the graft union.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, white, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 2,500

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,500

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Native plants of the Carpathian Basin Native perennials Native plants for pollinators Native drought-tolerant plants

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