Gypsophila paniculata – Perennial Baby's Breath

Sow very shallowly — just 0.3–0.5 cm deep, barely covered — under cover from April to May. Transplant young plants to their final spot in late summer (August–September), spacing them 60–80 cm apart so each clump has room to spread into its full airy form. Choose a sunny spot with light, well-drained, alkaline soil — perennial gypsophila has a deep taproot and dislikes being disturbed once established, so plant where you want it to stay. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground at all costs. Expect first flowers in the second year. A light pruning after flowering encourages a second flush. Fully hardy across the Baltic region; clumps live for many years and reach their best after 3–4 years.

The undisputed queen of filler flowers. Cut when about half the tiny flowers on the stem have opened; expect 5–7 days of vase life. Equally beautiful dried: hang bunches upside-down in a dark, airy place and the delicate sprays keep their shape and a soft cream colour for years. Pair with roses, sweet peas, and any cut flower that benefits from a soft, airy backdrop — a wedding-bouquet staple for very good reason.