The Queen Anne’s lace is a wildflower with tiny flowers consisting of five or more petals per flower. These plants give any setting an ambiance of gentleness and elegance. Not to mention that the smaller, often white flowers, surround the purple flower standing front and center of the cluster. Baby breath, while slightly similar in appearance to its cousin Queen Anne’s lace, has some key differences. They are a part of the Caryophyllaceae family and are fast becoming the perfect addition to any bouquet. Baby’s breaths are flowers that come in arrangements of white or pink, and the flowers have a starburst pattern giving these flowers a soft and alluring look. What are the similarities between Queen Anne’s lace and baby’s breath? Read further and find out!
Comparing Queen Anne’s Lace and Baby’s Breath
Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Baby’s Breath: Classification and Origin
Queen Anne’s lace comes from the Apiaceaefamily, which has more than 3,700 plant species! The Apiaceae family consists primarily of aromatic and flowering plants and are native to Europe, Asia, and North African continents. The flower is easy to maintain and thrives in low humidity and moderate to high temperatures. Not only do Queen Anne’s lace and baby’s breath look similar, but they also grow in a similar pattern. So all you need to do to have these beautiful flowers growing in the space of your dreams is to plant them directly into the soil during their prime season, and boom, these beauties will soon surround you. In contrast, baby’s breath comes from the Caryophyllaceae family and has a more moderate genus consisting of 150 different species. The family’s most common species, known as baby’s breath, is Gypsophila paniculate, and many species in the genus are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and even the Pacific Islands.
Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Baby’s Breath Description
Queen Anne’s lace is a herbaceous perennial flower that grows in the wild, which is why people love it so much. Although these flowers are technically wildflowers, they get their name because they are said to resemble the lace headdress of Anne of Denmark, hence the more sophisticated and regal name. They are famous for their clusters of white flowers. They grow in what’s known as an umbel, where each can consist of more than 1,000 flowers. The Queen Anne lace flowers often look like soft bouquets with long stems and leaves that swoop in deep and pointy lobes, adding a dignified air to the flowers. A clear way to identify their flowers is to look for purple or red spots in the flower heads. Expect these graceful flowers to bloom from June to October in their second year of growth. The stem is hairy and can grow between 12-39 inches in height. The leaves are double-pinnate and are a little over an inch long. Rub the leaves between your fingers to get a carrot-like smell. Depending on the type of baby’s breath you want, the tiny flowers come in shades of white, pink, and red. In addition, there are many small, grey-green, and blue-green narrow leaves. The plant grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is a fast-growing plant and will reach heights of up to 24 inches tall and wide.
Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Baby’s Breath: Uses
Queen Anne’s lace is very aromatic. Given their fragrance, many use it to make aromatic oils and even bottles of vinegar. In addition, both plants attract pollinators like butterflies and ladybugs. Baby’s breath, despite its odd aroma, does have many uses to it. For example, they are a wonderful addition to any garden. The flowers are a beautiful white color contrasting your flower arrangements for bouquets and centerpieces. They symbolize new beginnings, and you might see them in flower arrangements at funerals. However, it is essential to note that baby’s breath can be toxic to humans and pets when consumed raw. In addition, they spread fast and have become an invasive species in North America.
Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Baby’s Breath: How To Grow
Queen Anne’s lace and baby’s breath are incredibly easy to grow and low maintenance. It is best to plant the seeds in dry soil from spring to early fall. It is important to note that there are poisonous plants that resemble Queen Anne’s lace. To differentiate between them, all you need to do is identify the right scent. Queen Anne’s lace flowers come from the same family as carrots and thus smell similar to carrots. Growing Queen Anne’s lace tips:
Use dry to moderately dry soilSandy soil, but can adapt to other soil typesFull sunlight requiredPlant in low-nutrient areas
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is a breath of fresh air, pun intended! Unfortunately for the cousin of Queen Anne’s lace, the baby’s breath has an acidic smell that can slightly resemble baby spit-up. However, the saving grace of these unique flowers is that they are easy to cultivate and grow. Baby’s breath needs little to bloom. All they need is the sun and well-timed watering to sprout their beautiful flowers. So plant them in the spring and see them covered in beautiful, petite flowers in the summer. Growing baby’s breath tips:
Alkaline soil pHUse well-draining soilFull sun exposureLow water needs – dry soil is sufficient
Final Thoughts
These flowers prove that things don’t need to be high maintenance to be beautiful! These flowers will add a pop of color and an air of gentleness to any area they are in. The best part is that these plants grow and sustain themselves, all they need is a little water here and there and some sun to come into full bloom! The truth is, sometimes you need something extra to put the finishing touches to a room. So why not draw attention to specific points by decorating your office or home with these eye-catching flowers?
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Queen Anne’s lace is not toxic to everyone. However, people with sensitive skin can experience blistering or irritation. They can also be toxic to people or pets when ingested. Why does baby’s breath smell acidic? It all comes down to the gene profile of the flower. Baby’s breath belongs to the genus Gypsophila which has been known to release an unpleasant and acidic or sour odor when the flower buds open. Is baby’s breath hard to grow? It’s very easy to grow baby’s breath, and they bloom within ten weeks.
