Digging deeperPlant Library

Creeping Baby's Breath in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Creeping Baby's Breath flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Ornamental Features

Creeping Baby's Breath has masses of beautiful plumes of white star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its grassy leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Creeping Baby's Breath is an herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Creeping Baby's Breath is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Creeping Baby's Breath will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.