Baby’s Breath

Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is a popular white flower, a top favourite among florists, and a star of your garden. Although commonly known as fillers in a floral arrangement, these flowers are no doubt charming. Let’s get to know baby’s breath more in this article.

About Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is a delicate and small bloom often included as a finishing touch in many flower arrangements and bouquets. It is a perennial flower, the type that grows perfectly in the heavy and thick gypsum soil.

Scientific Name

The scientific name of baby’s breath is Gypsophila. It is a genus of beautiful flowering plants that belong to the carnation family. Its genus name came from the Greek word gypsos, which means “gypsum” and philios, meaning “loving.” This name perfectly describes the flower as it usually grows in soil with gypsum-rich substates. Besides baby’s breath, it’s also usually called “babe’s breath.”

Origin and History

Baby’s breath is native to Australia, Africa, Eurasia, and Pacific Islands. Babe’s breath or Gypsophilia is part of Caryophyllaceae, the carnation family. There are about 150 species within this genus. The majority of them are perennial plants, growing particularly well in gypsum, also known as loamy and thick soil.

Symbolism and Meaning

Due to the ability of the baby’s breath to survive even in a complicated environment, these flowers are used to represent everlasting love, whether platonic, romantic, or familial. The white baby’s breath represents purity, unity, and spirituality. The blue ones symbolize respect and honesty, while the red baby’s breath signifies romance and love. Orange baby’s breath means a feeling of joy and positivity. On the other hand, the pink variety epitomises the gentle spirit, and the purple baby’s breath means beauty and nobility.

Arrangements

There is no limit to the things you can do with your baby’s breath. These white blooms are a classic addition to floral arrangements from wedding centrepieces, baby showers to florist wreaths. Since a baby's breath is used to express and symbolize everlasting purity, affection, and love, you can often see them in wedding floral arrangements and wedding bouquets.