Creeping Baby's Breath (Gypsophila repens)

Creeping Baby's Breath

Gypsophila repens

Dainty white blooms carpet rocky slopes like scattered starlight. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: Creeping Baby's Breath.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, open conditions and tolerates rocky, dry growing sites
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established in well-drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot, dry summer conditions with minimal stress
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear, gray-green, fleshy leaves arranged oppositely along trailing stems
  • Flower: Tiny, star-shaped white or pale pink blooms in loose terminal clusters
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote compact growth and abundant flowering

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to release calcium; avoid overapplication to prevent soil alkalinity
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering into early summer
  • Trim back overgrown stems in early spring to maintain a compact, mat-forming habit
  • Remove damaged or yellowing foliage to improve airflow and overall plant appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and ingestion in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes purity and innocence; often used as filler in wedding bouquets and floral arrangements

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and cascading container plantings