When someone thinks of a bouquet of fresh flowers, the chances are that they picture roses, daisies, or orchids. Baby's breath is often overlooked and underestimated. There are many reasons why it is praised in the flower industry.
Baby's Breath is scientifically known as Gypsophila. It is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants. Gypsophila is a Greek word that translates to "lover of chalk," referring to the plant's preference for alkaline soil. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, but baby's breath flowers can now be found across most of the world in various colors and sizes.
Baby's breath is an affordable filler flower that adds delicate beauty to floral arrangements. This flower is popular in bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and corsages as it complements almost any flower with its small, dainty form. Baby's breath gives a romantic, dreamy feel to floral arrangements, adding an ethereal touch to any setting.
Though Baby's breath is commonly used in flower arrangements, it's always good to know some other similar flowers that can be used in its place. Here are some of our favorites:
Queen Anne's Lace is a white or pink laced flower that bears quite similar features to baby's breath flowers. It has the same small, dainty clusters and works well as a filler in bouquets, albeit wider in shape. It is also cost-effective and available year-round, making it an ideal substitute for baby's breath.
Astilbe is a fluffy, delicate, and soft pink or white flower that can replace baby's breath in floral arrangements. Its feathery, light blooms bring an airy quality to any setting. With astilbe, flower arrangements can have a more elegant touch, making it a perfect substitute for baby's breath in more sophisticated occasions.
Another excellent substitute for baby's breath is waxflower, a small, evergreen shrub typically found in Australia. Its petite, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters and come in white, pink, and purple. They can last for two weeks once in bloom and are perfect for adding a delicate touch to floral arrangements.
Baby's breath has always been a staple in wedding decor due to its versatility, simplicity, airy quality, and durability. Wedding florists often use baby's breath to complement more elegant flowers like roses and peonies. Baby's breath also holds a sentimental value and symbolism for weddings as it signifies purity, innocence, and everlasting love, making it a beautiful symbol to use on this special day.
Baby's breath is not just for weddings, and the versatile flower can suit various events. It works well in all types of bouquets, whether it's a bright summery bouquet or a more dramatic, moody bouquet for darker occasions. It also brings a peaceful touch to graveside floral arrangements, and because it lasts for weeks, it can serve as a beautiful memorial to a loved one.
Baby's breath small white, pink, or lavender flowers make it a choice flower to use as filler in arrangements. Here are some of the benefits of using baby's breath in floral arrangements:
Baby's breath flowers are affordable and cost-effective, which makes them an easy choice to add fullness and volume to arrangements without exceeding the budget.
Baby's breath flowers can last up to two weeks once they bloom. It's a benefit that makes them a preferred choice for several events, especially when you're unsure when the arrangements would be used.
Baby's breath complements other flowers and is a great option to mix with different types of flowers. It can add volume to arrangements and create stunning textured centerpieces.
Baby's breath is readily available and affordable year-round, which makes it easy to use in any floral bouquet or arrangement. It increases the number of blooms while reducing the costs.
Baby's breath and its similar flowers are beautiful and versatile options to consider for your next floral arrangement, whether it's for a wedding, a special occasion or an everyday gift. As we've seen, Baby's breath is not only affordable and long-lasting, but it also adds a touch of beauty and elegance to floral arrangements, complementing other flowers beautifully.
Whether on its own or mixed with other additional flowers, Baby's breath is definitely worth considering when creating any floral creation.
