Gypsophila, often called baby's breath, is anything but a new trend. They were a staple of floral arranging for decades, in the kind of forecourt floristry you saw at 1980s gas stations, where every assembly of red roses had fistfuls of wispy white nestled in it. As a reaction, they virtually disappeared for the past two decades, but now gypsophila is totally back. Yes, Gypsophila is a new Super Flower. Gypsophila is one of the most marvelous yet delicate-looking padding or filler flowers, as we like to call them.
The Return of Gypsophila in Floral Arrangements
Gypsophila was pretty much considered the floral equivalent of potpourri or taking a picture of your name written in the sand at the beach. Luckily, starting at fashion shows around 2018, the shift from bouquet filler to bold focal flower slowly changed the hard-to-shake image of Baby's Breath. Ethereal clouds of soft white blossoms were spotted hanging from fishing wires in stunning floral installations or were fashioned into minimal headdresses.
They have also become known worldwide for making beautiful statements in weddings and bouquets. Designers from all around the globe are finding many new use cases besides flower filler. Below are some fantastic designs and the answer to why gypsophila is called Baby's Breath.
Gypsophila: A Filler Flower That Became the New Main Attraction
Before going on about gypsophila, take a deep breath because its appearance and little beauty are condemned to make you fall in love and gasp in awe. Gypsophila is a small, delicate flower, usually used as a filler flower in floral designs. These tiny white blooms have recently been spotted as the main characteristic of the latest wedding trends.
Gypsophila is the flower that embodies lightness and team spirit. Although it can put on a beautiful show, the flower shines even more when performing in a mixed bouquet. Baby's breath can be recognized by its many pink or white flowers - measuring about 3.5 to 6 mm - which appear as a cloudy dream of florals. They generally have an exceptional vase life and are available all year round. Even with a past image that sometimes still proves a little hard to shake, gypsophila steadily made its way into the ten most popular cut flowers for years.
Baby's breath varieties are widely known for portraying light shade colors such as white or very light pink to add a graceful and subtle touch to any floral arrangement or decor spot. The best part is that you can even create an entire bouquet using baby's breath, and you'll get everyone wanting your bouquet. There's just something in its shape and color that quickly drives people's attention straight to the blooms.
Gypsophila mostly comes in white and cream, but pale pink and yellow varieties are available, too. Gypsophila was reinvented a couple of years ago when someone had the fantastic idea of painting it in different colors. Suddenly, social media was full of designs containing various shades of beautiful colors of the gypsophila blooms.
Gypsophila Is Literally Everywhere
Nowadays, you see gypsophila everywhere: at big weddings, baptize, and casual events, this flower is just crazy in fashion. And there are so many use cases for this flower. Where gypsophila was mainly a bouquet filler in the past, nowadays, it is a very trending flower and is used as a mono flower in all kinds of different floral designs and arrangements.
A Perennial Flowering Plant
There are a few things to get straightened up when it comes to baby's breath, as many can get confused about when these gorgeous white flowers bloom and their ending cycle. It's important to know that gypsophila belongs to the plant family Caryophyllaceae, meaning they are cousins with carnations. The plant initially grew in dry-dripping places along rivers and water puddles. In the wild, this plant still grows in parts of Europe and Asia.
Depending on the gypsophila variety, Baby's Breath is a flowering plant that can be annual, meaning it grows flower and dies in the same year, or it can be perennial, meaning it grows again and again. The varieties we've mentioned above are perennials that come up yearly, and the flowers come in pink and white colors, as you can see. On the other hand, an example of an annual baby's breath would be the gypsophila "elegans, " known to be this plant's annual form.
Gypsophila Is Also Called Baby's Breath
The name gypsophila is derived from the Greek words gypos, which means "gypsum," and philos, which means "loving," about the flower's preference for growing in gypsum-rich soil. The flowers were frequently given to new or expecting mothers as gifts because of their relationship with children's purity, innocence, and lack of corruption. Baby's Breath was derived from this flower, widely used as a unique baby shower gift. Alternative viewpoints contend that the term 'baby's breath' refers to its use as a subtle accent flower, among other flowers, because of its small size and delicate nature. On the other hand, a baby's breath also has quite a special significance in loving relationships. The white color represents the purity of marriage when used in wedding bouquets and arrangements as a reminder to cherish our loved ones and show them as much affection as possible. What do you think? We know we adore them!
You can also create an excellent Valentine's Day with Gypsophila.
Baby’s Breath Does Not Give the Power to the Flower It Deserves
Focusing on the wedding industry, Baby's Breath is gaining much attention. With so much attention, the name 'Baby's Breath' does not give the power to the flower it deserves. Let's go back to 'Gyps'. Gyps brings an exquisite setting for the most opulent, intimate weddings. Giant domes of delicate florals above cascading blooms, for example. Wedding Planner Kristina Kempton:
“The atmosphere as guests take their seats is electric, the excitement, the anticipation the mood is always incredible. Floral design with Gyps sets your wedding apart from all the others. Wowing your guests and dining in the most opulent setting.”
Gorgeous Gypsophila and Marvelous Meadows for the Perfect Ethereal Setting
Cloud-like blooms for sensational softness make the perfect ’I Do’ moment. Due to the soft texture of Gypsophilia, and hardiness, it is an excellent flower to use in hotter countries. White Gyps symbolize purity, innocence, faith, cleanliness, virginity, perfection, adorability, kindness, humility, heaven, light, goodness, and softness. Now, that's what you want!
Jaw-Dropping Design With Gypsophila
Below you’ll see another breathtaking design, created in Italy by Vertuanifiori in a venue called “La Venaria Reale”, an architectural and landscape masterpiece, designated a world heritage Site by UNESCO. The way the Gyps flowers blend in this amazing architecture is jaw-dropping. Massive constructions, dreamy décor, floating arrangements, you name it, Gypsophila seems to be able to fit in all of this. The new super flower!
A Chameleonic Flower Remake
Since it's also used as a filler flower, it's easy to use in every possible combination: from rustic to exotic, here's this chameleonic flower remake. Not like the old days, when it was mixed with roses and leather leaves. No, this flower erupted from the past in new, modern ways. Regardless of your flower preferences, gypsophila brings elegance and the ultimate sophistication.
Gypsophila / Baby's Breath / Gyps Care
A bouquet of Baby’s Breath flowers signify the intent and desire to live a long life with your loved ones or romantic partner. They also symbolize your adoration of the recipient. In larger wedding designs, these flowers mean so much more nowadays.
The flowers usually have a lifespan of ten days. To extend their longevity, it is advised to keep them away from air-conditioned rooms, as they will easily dry out under too much air conditioning. Always ensure the stems are trimmed to preserve moisture and freshness.
Remove the lower leaves from the flower stems when working with Baby's Breath. Put gypsophila in lukewarm water and in a clean vase when you buy it. They loved a little bit of cut flower food. But never leave them in the sun, a drafty place, or next to a fruit basket.
Header and featured image showing Xlence by @florequisa
