Flower Focus: Baby’s Breath is not just a filler flower

Baby’s breath is a popular, yet frequently overlooked, flower that is often found in hand bouquets and floral decorations. Usually used as a filler flower, it’s been getting more attention of late, and now is finally the time that the little blooms are beginning to shine all by itself.

It was introduced in America as early as 1828 when Victorian gardeners loved the snowy white blooms and dainty flowers and foliage. In the early 1990s, baby’s breath is seen tucked in bouquets and flower arrangements.

So many things have changed in the floristry, and that includes the uses of baby’s breath flowers. Most florists nowadays create beautiful bouquets as flower gifts for weddings, anniversary, and other special occasions using only the flowers of baby’s breath. They are no longer a filler flower, but the main attraction in floral hand bouquets.

A quick history of baby’s breath

From the Gypsophila family, baby’s breath derived its name from the kind of soil it thrives on. The soil is found to be high in gypsum, which is a kind of mineral that makes the soil thick and heavy. Originally, the flowers were found in Eurasia, Africa and Australia. After its popularity, the flowers were grown in different parts of the world.

Its name baby’s breath, however, was derived from the fact that this flower is widely used as special baby shower flower gifts. It is known in Great Britain by the name Soapwort. It was a staple flower during the Victorian era because they found this flower adorable in its light lacy floral canopy.

Moreover, people of Great Britain gave high reverence to this flower because of its meaning and symbolism, especially in the Victorian language of flowers.

The meaning of Baby’s breath

Every flower has its unique meaning and symbolism. The flowers of baby’s breath are used to symbolise and express everlasting love and purity. Because of this, wedding hand bouquets and floral decorations are always added with flowers of baby’s breath. It reminds people to cherish each loved one and show affection as much as possible. For a past love that remains in the heart, this is also the type of flower to give.

Another meaning of this flower is innocence. It is oftentimes associated with babies and infants who are innocent. This is the reason why florists use the flower in most of the hand bouquets for baby showers or as flower gifts to mothers who gave birth to a baby.

Pink and white baby’s breath flowers are perfect for use to welcome a new baby girl, while the blue to green varieties can be used for a baby boy. The florists dye the flowers to create a rainbow of colour and express various sentiments and emotions.

In addition, this flower is also meant to refer to purity, self-discipline, and freedom. There are many ways to make use of this type of flower when it comes to flower arrangements because of the meaning and symbols it is associated with. You may ask a ‘florist near me’ for the best arrangement suggestions if you plan to send one to a birthday celebrant or to a special someone today.

Baby’s breath comes in a wide array of colours, aside from dyed flowers. White baby’s breath means unity and spirituality, while blue means honesty and respect. Orange flowers symbolise joy and optimism, while red ones symbolise love and romance. Pink flowers are meant to express gentleness and emotions, while purple ones convey royalty and beauty. Yellow blooms offer a gift of joy and cheerfulness.

Baby’s breath facts

Baby’s breath is a perennial type of flower that grows well in gypsum soil, a kind of soil that is thick and heavy. It blooms from early summer and lasts until the autumn or fall season. There are annual varieties of this flower as well, and they are enjoyed for about every occasion. The Gipsy is among the most popular types of annuals that can be grown in balconies and front porches while the Gypsophila Paniculata is one of the old varieties found in Central and Eastern Europe. Some gypsophila can grow as tall as 1.2 metres in height, while some can grow as much as 30 to 50 centimetres in width.

New ways baby’s breath is being used

While it was and is still a staple filler flower in most bridal hand bouquets and wedding floral decorations, baby’s breath is now being utilised in much more creative ways. The spotlight now shines brightly on these refreshingly delicate, pure, sweet blooms. Here are a few design trends with baby’s breath we are seeing now.

These include:

• Bunches of only baby’s breath placed in simple jars as table decor
• A bundle of baby’s breath wrapped up for a charming and minimalist wedding bouquet
• Sprinkled throughout the hair as part of styling
• Tied to wedding chairs or placed in pots to line aisles
• Arranged as a flower backdrop on romantic occasions, in a variety of colours, to create a striking display.

The blooms may be mini and cutesy, but baby’s breath flowers, especially in different colours, are highly flexible and adaptable, and can readily be made into a small hand bouquet (or a fairly large one if you so prefer).

Gorgeous bouquets to take your breath away

Looking to get yourself some baby’s breath flowers as part of a large bouquet, or creating an original creation with just baby’s breath? Flower Nation will be able to help you with that.

Flower Nation is your one-stop online florist Malaysia for flower gifting. Not only do we carry an extensive range of floral choices (including baby’s breath flowers, of course), you can trust the team of Kuala Lumpur florist with years of experience to create gorgeous arrangements for you.

The Kuala Lumpur florist also provides one of the best flower delivery in Malaysia. Complimentary flower delivery Klang Valley is provided for orders within the vicinity.

Shop at florist near me, shop at Flower Nation for all your flower gifts today!