Baby’s Breath or Gypsophila is a flower in small, delicate bloom that looks beautiful in the garden as a landscape and border flowering plant. The dainty blooms are also used as cut flowers for wedding bouquets, floral bouquets, and arrangements. Although gypsophila is known as a filler flower, most florists use them nowadays as the focal flower for an arrangement. Some are even dyed and dried for a more stunning design. Read on and learn more about the baby breath plant here:
History of Baby’s Breath
Gypsophila is popular in the states in America as Baby’s Breath flower and Soapwort in Great Britain. It is believed to be a native plant in Asia, Europe, and Africa. During the Victorian Era, many gardeners from Great Britain fascinated the plant lovers of the United States with their landscapes of Baby’s Breath plants. People in the US described the baby’s breath plant as the plant of great daintiness. Since then, this stunning lacy flower became a favorite flower in America.
Etymology of Gypsophila
The term Gypsophila, which is baby’s breath scientific name, is from the Greek word ‘gypsos’ that means chalk or gypsum, and ‘philein’ that means to love. However, the name Gypsophila is believed to be given to this flowering plant because this type of plant loves to grow in gypsum-rich soil.
Description of Gypsophila
Baby’s Breath is from a large group f Caryophylleae, a flowering plant genus that comprises more than 150 species, including annual and perennial herbaceous and creeping plants. Originally native to the regions of Europe and Asia, the baby’s breath flower features the small, cup-like calyx blooms with five petals, typically in the shades of white and pink. Some varieties have panicles while some have head-like cymes. The fruit features a rounded, oval shape and the baby’s breath seeds are in brown and black colors.
Meaning of Gypsophila
Baby’s Breath flowers offer several meanings and symbolisms. Its dainty white blooms are often used to symbolize purity, innocence, and love, such symbolisms that explain why it is the type of flower associated with new baby events and weddings. The charm and pure color of this flower resemble an adorable baby.
Moreover, in terms of love, sentiments, and emotions, this flower is associated with affection and gentleness, as well as a message of hope and a brighter future.
In addition, the common baby’s-breath flowers are available in different colors, and each color means a different thing. The white bloom, for example, means unity while the pink ones are meant beauty, gratitude, and honor. The lilac blooms speak of romance and the purple blooms refer to royalty.
Uses of Gypsophila
Baby’s Breath flowers offer a wide range of uses. During the Victorian Age, they were found to give the gardens a beautiful landscape and colors. As new cultivars and breeds are created, the flowers are then used as cut flowers for wedding bouquets, floral arrangements, and interior decorations. Also, they are used for the production of photographic film, in making soap and shampoo, and as ingredients for ice cream, cheese, liquor, and food flavors. In other regions, they are even used as medicine for the treatment of different ailments.
Facts about Gypsophila
Baby’s Breath flowers are an interesting type of flower and plant. If you are fascinated with the dainty, charming blooms, you will love these facts about baby’s breath:
- Baby’s Breath or gypsophila belongs to the family of Carnations, the genus Caryophyllaceae.
- Some of the varieties of Baby’s Breath are edible. In fact, they were used in the primitive era as an herbal medicinal plant.
- Baby’s Breath contains saponins, the molecules that can break down the cancer cell membranes.
- Among the baby’s breath benefits to the body include antioxidants, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, blood circulation regularization, cardiovascular system management, blood cell optimization, good cell generation, immune system improvement, blood pressure maintenance, and detoxification.
- Baby’s Breath is drought-tolerant and can resist heat, but they grow best in friable, gypsum-rich soil and soil rich in calcium.
Growing Gypsophila
Baby’s Breath plants are easy to grow and maintain whether they are kept as indoor plants or as outdoor and garden plants. Growing baby’s breath for wedding is possible, especially if you have the space and the luxury of time before the big event.
A common baby’ breath plant grows simply in soil with the right level of pH or acidity. If the soil is thick and heavy, there is a greater possibility that the plant will grow richly and yield a massive flower on its season. In case the soil is not good enough for the plant to bloom, you will either increase or decrease the alkalinity of the soil. Moreover, growing baby’s breath plants can start from the seeds or from some cuttings.
Care of Gypsophila
Caring for Baby’s Breath plant in pots or containers is not too complicated. In fact, according to expert gardeners, it is better to grow them in pots or containers rather than in the ground. This is because some grounds contain partial clay and not gypsum-rich clay. Also, planting them in the ground tends the plants to be invasive.
To care for Baby’s Breath in containers allow you to control them. All you need is a well-draining soil, slightly alkaline, with a mixture of sand and pumice to allow the air to circulate. The plant also needs moisture but not soaking in water. Put it in a place where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight or in a sunny location. Add some fertilizer once in a while to nourish the plant.
