Covent Garden Gypsophila is a delicate annual baby's breath that transforms any garden into a cloud of tiny, playful blossoms. This cultivar of Gypsophila elegans reaches a tidy 12-18 inches tall, making it perfect for tucking into borders, along walkways, or as an airy filler for cut flower arrangements. Hardy in zones 5-9 and blooming prolifically within 70-79 days, it handles heat and drought with ease while asking remarkably little in return. The charming half-inch flowers bloom continuously throughout the season, delivering that timeless, cottage-garden elegance that makes Covent Garden a beloved heirloom choice.
Full Sun
Low
5-9
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Covent Garden's true gift is its compact, mounding habit paired with relentless blooming. Unlike taller gypsophila varieties that require staking, this one stays low and full, creating a natural fountain of tiny flowers that barely need deadheading to keep producing. The drought and heat tolerance means it thrives in challenging spots where other annuals wilt, yet it remains herbaceous and gentle enough to anchor a border without overwhelming neighboring plants.
Covent Garden Gypsophila is grown almost exclusively for fresh and dried flower arrangements. Its abundant, delicate blossoms make it a florist's favorite for softening bouquets and adding texture to mixed arrangements. Home gardeners grow it for continuous cutting from midsummer onward, or let it dry on the stem for winter bouquets that retain their structure and charm for months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Direct sow seeds outdoors in spring after the last frost date, or in early fall for fall/winter blooming in mild climates. Scatter seeds lightly over prepared soil and press gently into contact without covering; gypsophila seeds need light to germinate.
Cut stems for fresh arrangements once flowers have fully opened and the stems feel firm. Early morning is the best time to harvest, when stems are most hydrated. For drying, cut entire stems when most flowers are open but before they begin to fade, and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark location for 2-3 weeks until completely dry.
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“Covent Garden Gypsophila carries the name of one of the world's most storied flower markets. London's Covent Garden has been synonymous with fresh flowers and botanical commerce for centuries, and this variety emerged from that rich horticultural heritage as a reliable, prolific cultivar for gardeners seeking the airy elegance that professionals have long cherished in floral design.”