Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun. Good drainage is essential. This is a tap-rooted plant that tolerates heat, humidity, some drought and poor soils. Remove spent flower spikes to prolong bloom. Thin flower stems tend to become leggy and flop when grown in rich soils or part shade. Plants may benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennials.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaura is a genus of around 20 species of annuals, biennials, perennials and subshrubs native to North America.
The genus name Gaura comes from the Greek gauros meaning "superb" in reference to the beautiful flowers.
‘So White’ is a compact gaura cultivar that features four-petaled, white flowers (to 1” diameter) on stems rising to only 12-18” tall. Flowers are noted for being pure white with no spotting or tinting. Flowers appear in wand-like panicles above the foliage over a very long late spring-summer bloom period. Flowers open a few at a time, and dance in the wind like butterflies. Narrow lance-shaped green leaves (1-3” long).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in heavy, poorly drained soils. Plant stems are generally weak, with taller stems tending to flop.
Uses
Borders, cottage gardens or wild gardens. Patio containers.