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Pruning guide · Annual
Cushion baby’s breath: when and how to prune
Gypsophila muralis
Cushion baby’s breath is best pruned in July.
| Pruning months | July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Cushion baby’s breath: when to prune it?
Pruning is hardly necessary. If the plant becomes untidy after its first flush in July, trim it back lightly.
What else to prune in those months? July
Cushion baby’s breath: how to prune it?
- Cut back about a third of the stems with scissors, just above a side shoot or leaf.
- Remove dead or shrivelled stems.
- Water afterwards and, in containers, give a weak dose of feed so that new shoots follow quickly.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Cushion baby’s breath flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Cushion baby’s breath is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Cushion baby’s breath · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.