White Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
Also known as
Gaura Iindheimeril, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, Whirling butterflies
Photo by AllaM (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1m |
1m | Min | 50cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of White Gaura
White Gaura Overview
The graceful and ornamental Oenothera lindheimeri is enjoyed in a variety of gardens with its tall, flowering stalks which arch outward, giving it an airy appearance. Recently re-classified and re-named this plant was previously known as Gaura. This perennial plant makes a great cut flower, and it is suitable for growing as an annual. It has a bushy habit and spoon-shaped leaves. The flowers are white to pink in colour and they are starry in appearance, with 4 non-overlapping petals and long anthers in the centre. These appear throughout the summer and autumn. This species is enjoyed by many a gardener for the texture and graceful loose form it can bring to gardens. It may be used in garden beds or pots for accent colour and texture, forming a perfect border or ground-cover. Dry winters and hot, wet summers are ideal for the growth of this plant, so it can be grown widely across South Africa; bringing life and beauty to your garden. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. It is also part of the RHS “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
Common problems with White Gaura
Pests include aphids, whitefly and flea beetles. Diseases include rusts, Cercospora and Septoria leaf spots, downy and powdery mildews, and root rot.
How to harvest White Gaura
When harvesting fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water. When harvesting seed shake or strip the ripe seeds from the stalk as they ripen, coming back every few days until all the seeds have ripened. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
How to propagate White Gaura
Cuttings
Basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Cuttings need to be regularly tipped to make bushy plants.
Seed
Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days; sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots.
Division
Divide in spring, but established plants are very difficult to dig up, so this method is not recommended.
Special features of White Gaura
Drought resistant
Drought tolerant once well-established.
Attracts useful insects
Insects such as bees and butterflies.
Pot plant
Can be grown in outside containers, given sufficient drainage holes.
Repels harmful insects
Deer repellent.
Attracts birds
Attracts birds such as hummingbirds.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of White Gaura
Wall or trellis, ornamental, border