Gaura is a large and robust clumping perennial with delightful flowering character each spring on long flexible stems. The seasonal foliage also grows along tall and slender stems to 3-4 ft. tall, but the flowers are the real treat provided by this plant.
This southwestern native comes from moist areas throughout arid regions of Texas and Mexico. It is well adapted to heat and sun, but grows best and flowers longest when soil moisture is available. Plants should be rejuvenated each year by cutting all stems off at ground level in late fall. Gaura is valued for its long flowering cycle and has proven to be a popular flowering accent plant in perennial gardens to display its delicate flower character. It can become aggressive in size and produce fertile seeds that lead to new plants; this tendency can be reduced by planting in containers. Several cultivars are available, including: G. l. ‘Siskiyou Pink’ produces deep rose-pink flowers. G. l. ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is noted for its delicate white flowers that move gracefully on long flexible stems.
