Gypsophila repens (Creeping Baby's Breath)

Gypsophila repens is the low, spreading cousin of classic baby's breath, forming dense trailing mats of grey-green foliage studded with clouds of tiny white to pale lavender flowers from late spring through midsummer. The plant reaches only about six inches tall but spreads outward to a foot and a half or more, cascading gracefully over rock walls, spilling down dry slopes, and tucking into crevices between stepping stones.

This is a plant for well-drained, full sun conditions. It thrives in rocky, sandy, or chalky soils and handles drought with ease once established. Coastal conditions on the Oregon coast suit it well, provided drainage is good. Cut it back lightly after the main flowering flush to tidy the mats.

Use it at the front of a sunny border, at the edge of a raised bed, or spilling over a retaining wall where the flowers can trail freely.