How to grow gaura
Overview
Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial grown for its airy wands of white or pink flowers that dance above fine foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing long-season movement and colour in mixed borders or cottage gardens.
Varieties
- Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' — The classic white-flowered form, most common in Australian nurseries, with a long bloom from spring to autumn.
- Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink' — A compact pink-flowered selection that reaches 50 cm, ideal for small gardens and pots.
- Gaura 'Crimson Butterflies' — Deep pink-red flowers on a 60 cm plant, excellent for adding bold colour to mixed borders.
Soil Preparation
Gaura prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.5) with sharp drainage. If your soil is heavy, raise the bed or add 10 cm of coarse sand and compost. A light application of lime in autumn helps maintain pH and reduces fungal issues.
Growing Guide
Plant gaura in a position with full sun and free-draining soil; it resents heavy clay or wet feet. Space plants 40–50 cm apart to allow for their mounding habit. Dig in a handful of slow-release fertiliser and a dusting of lime if soil is acidic. Water deeply once a week until established, then reduce to occasional summer drinks. Cut back leggy stems by one-third in late summer to promote a second flush of flowers.
Sowing
Sow gaura seed 3 mm deep in seed-raising mix in spring (temperate) or autumn (subtropical/mediterranean). Germination takes 14–21 days at 18–22°C. Direct sow into a prepared bed after frosts, or start in punnets and transplant when 10 cm tall. Thin to 40 cm apart.
Care
Feed gaura with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again after the first flush of flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the season. Cut back the whole plant by half in late autumn to keep it tidy and encourage fresh basal growth.
Companion Planting
Pair gaura with salvias, roses, echinacea, and lavender for a long-flowering, pollinator-friendly border. Avoid planting near heavy feeders like pumpkins or aggressive spreaders that might smother its airy form.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids cluster on new growth in spring; blast off with a hose or spray with neem oil. Fungal leaf spots appear in humid weather—improve air circulation by spacing plants and avoid overhead watering. Powdery mildew can strike in autumn; treat with a milk spray or sulfur.
Troubleshooting
Leggy growth: too much shade or overwatering—move to full sun and reduce water. Yellow leaves: often a sign of poor drainage or overwatering—check soil and let it dry. Flopping stems: heavy rain or rich soil—stake or cut back by one-third. Few flowers: not enough sun or too much nitrogen—switch to a low-N fertiliser. Powdery mildew: humid air and poor circulation—space plants and apply sulfur.