Gaura lindheimeri
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Tried and True Recommended by 7 Professionals
Common Name: gaura
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Onagraceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Texas, Louisana
Garden Location: Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: August to October
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White/pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Uses: Suitable as Annual, Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Good drainage is essential. A taprooted plant which tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. Remove spent flower spikes to prolong bloom period. Thin flower stems tend to become leggy and flop, particularly when grown in rich soils, and plants can benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennials. Plants (particularly those which typically grow tall) may be cut back in late spring by 1/2 to control size. May self-seed if spent flower stems are left in place in the fall.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Gaura is a clump-forming, vase-shaped, somewhat shrubby perennial which typically grows 3-4' tall and is perhaps best known for its 4-petaled, butterfly-like flowers and long bloom period (spring to early autumn). Pinkish buds along wiry, erect, wand-like stems open to white flowers which slowly fade to pink. Flowers appear in long, open, terminal panicles and open only a few at a time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stemless leaves (1-3" long) are occasionally spotted with maroon.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in heavy, poorly drained soils.

Garden Uses

Best in wildflower or native plant gardens where they can be allowed to sprawl and naturalize. Effective in sunny borders.

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