Gypsophila, commonly known as Baby's Breath, is a delicate and airy flower that is often used as a filler in floral arrangements. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has become a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
Appearance
Gypsophila is a herbaceous perennial or annual plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The flowers are small and white or pink, with five petals that are deeply lobed. The flowers are arranged in loose clusters at the top of the stems, giving the plant a light and airy appearance.
Uses
Gypsophila is a popular cut flower that is used in floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Its delicate appearance makes it an excellent filler flower, and so it is often used in combination with other flowers.
Wedding & Celebration Cakes
Gypsophila is a popular addition to cakes, especially wedding cakes. Its small, white, cloud-like blooms make it the perfect accent to any wedding cake design, and its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of styles, from rustic to elegant.
So, why has Gypsophila become such a popular choice for wedding cakes?
There are several reasons:
First, its delicate appearance adds a soft and romantic touch to any cake design.
Second, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making it a great option for couples on a budget.
Finally, it is a fairly long-lasting flower, so couples perceive that it will not wilt or droop even if it is used on a cake that is displayed for several hours.
Why I Would Never Use Fresh Gypsophila Directly On A Cake
However, I would never recommend adding Gypsophila directly on a wedding cake and this is why:
Toxicity: Gypsophila is not edible and is potentially toxic. The plant contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. While the amount of these chemicals present in a single flower may not be enough to cause harm, it is still not advisable to use them on a cake. Hygiene: Gypsophila is often sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals to preserve its appearance. Using it directly on a cake may introduce these chemicals to the food, making it potentially unsafe to eat. Texture: Baby's breath is a delicate flower with a very airy and light texture. It may not hold up well when placed directly on a cake and may wilt or fall apart, making it unappealing.
Overall, it is best to avoid using gypsophila on a wedding cake and opt for edible flowers or make your own sugar / gum paste Gypsophila which looks gorgeous and can be kept for many many years after the cake has been eaten!
If you'd like to try to make your own sugar Gypsophila then why not head over to my YouTube channel and try out my easy to follow Gypsophila tutorial.
It looks great in a vase or with other sugar flowers and can be kept for years and years if looked after.
Hit the link below and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for lots of new tutorials coming soon
If you need help with your sugar flowers then come and join our private Facebook group Urban Flower Collective.
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Hope to see you soon
Lisa x