Gaura lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'
     
Tried and True Recommended by 9 Professionals
Common Name: gaura
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Onagraceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Garden Location: Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders
Height: 2.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 2.5 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: May to August
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Description: Rose pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Uses: Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in sandy, loamy, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Good drainage is essential. A taprooted plant which tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. Remove spent flower panicles to prolong bloom period. Flowering stems may become leggy and flop, particularly when grown in rich soils or too much shade. Plants can benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennial. Plants (particularly taller ones) may be cut back in late spring by 1/2 to control size. May self-seed if spent flowers are left in place in autumn.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This gaura cultivar is an erect, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 2.5-3' tall on rigid, wiry stems. Features 4-petaled, butterfly-like flowers which emerge rose pink from deep maroon buds. Flowers appear in open panicles, blooming several at a time over a long spring to autumn bloom time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stalkless leaves (to 3" long) are mottled with maroon. Introduction of the Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery in Medford, Oregon.

Problems

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

Garden Uses

Sunny borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas.