White baby's breath

Filler · Caryophyllaceae

Baby's breath

Gypsophila paniculata

Also known as Gypsophila

Clouds of tiny blooms traditionally associated with everlasting love and innocence.

Colour: White

Traditionally, innocence and everlasting love.

Use in a bouquet All flowers
Peak season
Jun–Aug
Vase life
5–10 days
Birth month
—
Colours
2

What the baby's breath means

Baby's breath has long been read as purity, innocence, and everlasting love, which made it a staple of bridal bouquets and a gentle choice for births and christenings. The genus name, Gypsophila, means gypsum-loving, after the chalky soils some species prefer. In the late 20th century it became the default filler around red roses, and more recently florists have used it on its own in big, cloud-like bunches. These meanings are modern florist tradition rather than old folklore, and they vary from place to place.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Valentine's Day
  • Anniversary
  • Birthday
  • Mother's Day

By colour

  • White Traditionally, innocence and everlasting love.
  • Blush Often given for gentle affection.

Keeping it fresh

Available year-round from growers; garden plants bloom in summer.

  1. 1 Strip leaves below the waterline and recut stems every few days.
  2. 2 Keep in a cool room; the tiny flowers brown quickly in heat and direct sun.
  3. 3 To dry, hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy place; baby's breath dries well.

Pet safety

  • cats Non-toxic
  • dogs Non-toxic
  • horses Non-toxic

ASPCA lists baby's breath (filed as Gypsophila elegans) as non-toxic, but eating it may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

Gypsophila paniculata is so tough that it is considered an invasive weed in parts of North America, where a single plant can produce thousands of seeds.

Pairs well with

Make your own baby's breath bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio