Gypsophila paniculata ( Baby's Breath,Gyp )

Gypsophilas are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens; they are grown both as garden plants and also valuable as a cut flower in floristry to add as a filler to flower bouquets. The most commonly encountered in gardens are
G. paniculata (a perennial species), G. elegans, and G. muralis (both annual species). They are easily propagated from seed, by cuttings, or by root division before growth... starts in the spring. Starting as a tiny seed, the annuals and perennials germinate in ten to fifteen days, and can grow rapidly up to 50 cm in height. While they prefer full sun, along with rich, light soil, deficiencies in poor soil constitution can be overcome by adding a general purpose fertilizer, as long as it is well drained.
The name Gypsophila means ‘lover of chalk’, describing the type of soil the flowering plant likes to grow in. The plant is native to Eastern Europe, and is now grown everywhere in the world – in fields and glasshouses.
Meaning:
 The flower symbolism associated with baby's breath is purity of heart, innocence, and the breath of the Holy Spirit. Baby's breath is white with dense, delicate clusters of flowers. They are native to Europe, but have been naturalized throughout the eastern United States. Baby's breath is often used as ornamental garden plants and as filler in bouquets. 

Origins:
A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, gypsophila--commonly known as baby's breath--has European and Northern Asian origins and is a relative of chickweed, carnations and sweet William. A floral-industry mainstay, gypsophila is used primarily as a filler flower, and is available in both white and pink varieties.
A neat rosette forms at the base of the plant, and the flowers grow in light, airy, almost leafless sprays, the wiry stems winding in between neighboring flowers. The flowers appear in early midsummer and, unless cut, remain on the plants throughout summer and dry out naturally to make just as much impact as when they first open. Plants are tap-rooted and do not move once established - however, clumps are not invasive, so there is no need to try and divide them. Plants can be short lived, especially if drainage is not extremely sharp. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM). .

Care and Handling:
Handle gently to avoid breaking stems. Avoid misting as browning and rot may occur. To open tight buds, put in a warm solution of flower food, cover with plastic, and store in a warm place for 24 hours. Remove the plastic periodically for air circulation. The flowers have no scent, and wither quickly when allowed to dry out. However, if cared for correctly and kept in fresh water, cut Gypsophila should last a long time.

They are herbaceous annual and perennial plants growing to 5–120 cm tall. The leaves are opposite, linear to narrow triangular, often falcate (sickle-shaped), 1–7 cm long and 2–8 mm broad. The flowers are produced in large inflorescences, which may be either dense or open and lax; each flower is small, 3–10 mm diameter, with five white or pink petals.
 

 Gypsophila has been a popular traditional filler flower for many years, although some now see it as old fashioned. Many florists still use Gypsophila in sweet arrangements for new babies, or in romantic bouquets of roses.
 Gypsophila produces a misty appearance wherever it is planted. These flowers can be used to good effect planted at frequent intervals in front of and among other annuals, such as Larkspur, Poppies, and Lupines. They also make a good carpet for Gladiolus and other Summer-blooming bulbs. As cut flowers, they combine handsomely with Sweet Peas and such flowers as need a little foliage to set them off. In arranging flowers with Babysbreath, do not use too much or the result will have a "fussy" too-dressed-up appearance. The name refers to the fact that the plants prefer limestone soils. The flowers bloom in six weeks from seed sowing, and have but a short blossoming season, for after three weeks they produce their seed and stop flowering. It is well to cut the plants to the soil when the flowers are gathered. Seed should therefore be sown every two or three weeks for a succession of bloom. Some of the seed dropped by the first crop of blossoms will often flower during the season. Thin the plants to stand 8 to 12 inches apart.