Perennial Baby’s Breath (Latin name: *Gypsophila paniculata*) is a tough, hardy garden favorite. But even though it’s a survivor, it still needs a little TLC to get through the frost and dampness of winter. Plus, local wildlife might see your plants as a winter snack! In this post, I’ll walk you through how to prep your Baby’s Breath for the cold months so it comes back stronger than ever.
Keep Your Garden Plants Safe with the Right Winter Care
If your Baby’s Breath is planted directly in your garden beds, it’s usually pretty good at handling the cold on its own. However, to ensure it bounces back beautifully in the spring, it’s a smart move to give your perennials a bit of extra cover during the winter.
Here’s how to do it:
- Cover your plants with a thick layer of brushwood, evergreen branches, or dry leaves. This helps shield them from excessive moisture and keeps hungry rabbits away. Even though Baby’s Breath is slightly toxic, bunnies still love to nibble on it!
- Baby’s Breath is very sensitive to “wet feet” and can easily develop root rot. You can skip watering entirely during the winter; the natural rain and snow are more than enough. If your planting spot tends to stay soggy, you might want to consider transplanting it to a drier area before the ground freezes.
- To get it ready for its winter nap and encourage a fresh flush of flowers next year, give your Baby’s Breath a good pruning in the fall. Cut the whole plant back until it’s only about 6 inches above the ground.
Caring for Potted Baby’s Breath in the Winter
Unlike plants in the ground, Baby’s Breath in containers can’t handle long periods of frost. The big risk here is that the root ball can freeze solid, which is usually game over for the plant. An unheated greenhouse or a sunny sunroom is the perfect spot to overwinter your potted plants.
While they can handle a light chill, you’ll need to step in when the real freezing temperatures hit.
Here’s your checklist for potted care:
- Trim the plant back slightly and check if it’s outgrown its home. If it’s looking cramped, go ahead and move it to a larger pot before winter sets in.
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or burlap. This adds a layer of insulation to keep the roots a bit warmer.
- Make sure the plant gets some fresh air and ventilation regularly.
- Unlike garden plants, potted Baby’s Breath does need a tiny bit of water. Just check the soil occasionally and give it a light sip if it’s bone dry.
