Growing Oenothera lindheimeri:
Gaura
Description
Form: A clump-forming herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 2-5' (60-150cm) high and 1-2' (30-60cm) wide.
Flowers: White or pink, four petals, oddly arranged as though the bottom two of six petals were missing, with long stamens, from pink buds, opening only a few at a time in long terminal spikes. It has little to no fragrance depending on the cultivar.
Bloom: All year in regions without freezes.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Green, lance-shaped, 1-3" (2.5-7.6cm) long, possibly with wavy margins.
Stems: Upright, branching. Some cultivars are more compact with shorter flower stalks.
Roots: A deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. This plant spreads by rhizomes.
Wildlife: The flowers attract insects.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico.
Form: A clump-forming herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 2-5' (60-150cm) high and 1-2' (30-60cm) wide.
Flowers: White or pink, four petals, oddly arranged as though the bottom two of six petals were missing, with long stamens, from pink buds, opening only a few at a time in long terminal spikes. It has little to no fragrance depending on the cultivar.
Bloom: All year in regions without freezes.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Green, lance-shaped, 1-3" (2.5-7.6cm) long, possibly with wavy margins.
Stems: Upright, branching. Some cultivars are more compact with shorter flower stalks.
Roots: A deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. This plant spreads by rhizomes.
Wildlife: The flowers attract insects.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 6-10. This plant dies to the ground in hard freezes and comes back from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Gaura needs part shade in the afternoon.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Part shade all day or in the afternoon in the hot desert southwest.
Planting: Gaura is often planted in masses so the stems will support one another.
Soil: Very well draining, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). Too much organic material in the soil results in leggy growth.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month. This plant tolerates frequent watering in well draining soil but root rot can occur if the soil stays damp. Overwatering results in leggy growth.
Mulch: A thick layer of mulch is needed for winter in USDA zones 8a and lower. Remove mulch after the danger of freezing is past so the soil can dry quickly.
Prune: Remove spent flowers at the base of the stalk to encourage re-blooming. Cut back if leggy to encourage compact growth.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings. This plant self-seeds when it is a non-sterile cultivar.
Uses: Ornamental.
USDA hardiness zones: 6-10. This plant dies to the ground in hard freezes and comes back from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Gaura needs part shade in the afternoon.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Part shade all day or in the afternoon in the hot desert southwest.
Planting: Gaura is often planted in masses so the stems will support one another.
Soil: Very well draining, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). Too much organic material in the soil results in leggy growth.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month. This plant tolerates frequent watering in well draining soil but root rot can occur if the soil stays damp. Overwatering results in leggy growth.
Mulch: A thick layer of mulch is needed for winter in USDA zones 8a and lower. Remove mulch after the danger of freezing is past so the soil can dry quickly.
Prune: Remove spent flowers at the base of the stalk to encourage re-blooming. Cut back if leggy to encourage compact growth.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings. This plant self-seeds when it is a non-sterile cultivar.
Uses: Ornamental.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae). The scientific synonym for Gaura is Gaura lindheimeri. Several cultivars are available in white and pink.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
This plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae). The scientific synonym for Gaura is Gaura lindheimeri. Several cultivars are available in white and pink.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
Latest update: September, 2024
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