Annual baby's breath is a flowering plant native to Asia and Europe in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). It can be found growing along roadsides and other disturbed ares mainly with sandy or rocky soils. Annual baby's breath grows 1 to 2 feet tall and 1.5 to 2 feet wide, preferring full sun in moist, sandy loam soils. It will adapt to other soils as long as they are well-drained and partial shade, although blooming will be reduced. Plants will grow quickly from seed, just lightly covered with soil. Successive plantings every 3 to 4 weeks until July will extend the bloom season. It is frequently found in wildflower mixtures and has moderate drought tolerance. The blooms are larger and more open than the perennial form used by florists, providing light airy clusters held above the foliage in spring to early summer. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies. Use this plant in the perennial border and allow to grow up between blue and pink flowers for added effect. Use in a cottage, English or pollinator garden or in a container. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for aphids, slugs and snails. Potential diseases are stem and root rot, especially in too wet conditions. Be aware that the plant has the potential to escape gardens into the wild.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.