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Gaura, or Oenothera lindheimeri (previously Gaura lindheimeri), are pretty deciduous perennials that look great in cottage garden-style or informal plantings. Gaura have a relaxed habit with small, starry flowers in white or pink, appearing from early summer to autumn. They are perfect for filling gaps, and can also be grown in containers in an informal combination with grasses and trailing plants.
The botanical genus name Gaura has recently been subsumed into the genus Oenothera, which also includes evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), hence the change of official name from Gaura lindheimeri to Oenothera lindheimeri. However, they are still usually referred to as gaura as a common name, and often sold under their old botanical name.
How to grow gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Grow gaura in moist but free-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Cut back after flowering and divide large clumps in spring.
Where to grow gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Gauras are prairie plants native to the southern states of the USA and Mexico, and therefore do best in a warm and sunny position, although they tolerate a little shade. For best results grow them in moist but free-draining soil.
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Planting gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Dig a generous hole and fork a handful of grit into the bottom to improve drainage, as gaura hates to sit in water. Place the rootball in the hole so it sits at the same depth it was in its pot and backfill with soil. Firm in gently and water well.
If planting out new gaura, make sure they aren't crowded in too much by their neighbours, or they could be swamped. One way to avoid this is by planting out fairly late, once the late-spring and early-summer performers have peaked in July. By this time of year, well-cared-for gaura in their pots will have bulked up somewhat and should be able to hold their own. You will, however, need to make sure the plant is well watered through summer.
How to care for gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Gauras don't need a lot of maintenance. Cut back and divide congested clumps in mid-spring, but don't try moving or dividing more mature plants as they don't respond well.
Don't worry if dark spots appear on the leaves as this is normal. In autumn, when temperatures dip, gaura foliage turns lovely shades of red.
Pests and diseases
Gauras are generally peste and disease free.
How to propagate gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Sow gaura seed in spring or take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Make bushy plants by trimming your cuttings regularly.
Advice on buying gauras
- Gauras come in various shades of pink and white, with compact and tall varieties available. Make sure you choose the right one for the space you have in mind
- Some varieties can be grown from seed for a fraction of the price of a pot-grown plant
- For the best results, trim young plants to encourage them to develop bushy growth and avoid planting out in crowded borders until July
Where to buy oenotheras
Gaura varieties to try
Oenothera lindheimeri 'The Bride' – forms a mat of soft foliage that contrasts beautifully with its delicate, white flowers held on long, thin stems. It has a long flowering season that lasts from early summer well into autumn.
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' – its mat of grey-green foliage contrasts beautifully with its delicate, white-pink flowers.
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink' – this lovely bright-pink variety makes an excellent cut flower.
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Crimson Butterflies' – this compact variety has beautiful dark-pink blooms and works well at the front of a border.
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Frequently asked questions
My gaura has black spot - what can I do?
Don't worry! Black spots on gaura leaves isn't a sign of fungal disease but is actually the plant's physiological response to low temperatures. They will disappear as temperatures increase.
How do I prune gaura?
Gaura responds well to being cut back, resulting in a compact mound of foliage, from which many flowers will grow. Cut back hard in early spring and then again in late spring to early summer, by around two-thirds to half. This second cut should give you a second flush of blooms from mid- to late-summer.
How do I overwinter gaura?
Gaura isn't reliably hardy and can struggle if temperatures fall below -10ºC, particularly on heavy soils. For the best chances of overwintering gaura, cut it back in autumn and apply a thick mulch of straw to protect it from frost, or lift the whole plant and overwinter it in a pot in a cold greenhouse. You can also take semi-ripe cuttings in summer to insure against winter losses. Overwinter these in a cold greenhouse, too.
