Flower Library
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila paniculata · Caryophyllaceae
Baby's breath was long the standard filler in mixed bouquets. In recent years it has become a statement of its own — a huge all-baby's-breath bouquet looks like a cloud and has become essential to boho-style weddings.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 10–21 days
- Latin name
- Gypsophila paniculata
- Colors
- White, Soft pink, Pink, Dyed (trend)
The premium ‘Million Star' variety has dense branching and rich clusters — perfect for all-baby's-breath bouquets.
Baby's breath dries beautifully — looks nearly identical dried. Many keep their bridal bouquet this way for years as a memento.
Is Baby's Breath toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The saponin gyposenin it contains irritates the gastrointestinal tract; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. Usually not life-threatening, but keep out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite caused by the saponins it contains.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 02Change water every 3–4 days — tough.
- 03Air-dry: simply hang upside down in a dark spot.
- 04Tolerates warmth well.
Frequently asked
- Does baby's breath smell odd?
- It has a slight sweet scent some people don't like. Barely noticeable in mixed bouquets, more present in all-baby's-breath arrangements.
- How long does baby's breath last in a vase?
- Baby's breath is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers there is: 10 to 21 days in the vase. Even afterwards it simply dries out and keeps its look, so you hardly ever need to throw it away.
- Is baby's breath toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes, mildly. Baby's breath contains the saponin gyposenin, which irritates the gastrointestinal tract. Nibbling can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite — usually harmless but unpleasant. To be safe, keep the bouquet out of reach of pets.