Gaura

How to choose a gaura

Choose by height. The classic white gaura, Gaura lindheimeri, grows 80cm to 90cm tall and weaves through other plants, softening roses, grasses and shrubs. Graceful White is a tidier selection at about 70cm, and pink gaura gives the same effect in rose pink. For the front of a border or a pot, the Baby Butterflies types stay near 45cm to 50cm: Baby Butterflies Rose is deep pink and the Pearl form is white. Some growers sell gaura as butterfly bush, a name it shares with buddleja.

Where gaura works

Full sun and drainage are all it needs. Gaura handles hot summers, frost, coastal wind and dry soil, and suits cottage borders, gravel gardens, meadow style plantings and mass planting on banks. It grows across most of Australia outside the wet tropics. Bees work the flowers through the season, which places it among our bee and butterfly friendly plants, and it is one of the longest performers in flowering plants.

Planting and spacing

Space tall forms 50cm to 60cm apart and compact forms 30cm to 40cm apart. Plant in groups of three or more for effect. Loosen the soil, plant level and water weekly until established. Avoid rich soil and heavy feeding, which make it floppy.

Care basics

Cut the whole plant back by half in midsummer if it gets leggy, and it will flower again within weeks. In late winter, cut it to about 10cm from the ground to renew it. Trimming spent stems before they set seed also stops unwanted seedlings. Established plants rarely need watering. It mixes well with other drought tolerant plants.

Common questions

How long does gaura flower?

From spring through to late autumn, especially if it is trimmed in midsummer.

Should I cut gaura back?

Yes. Cut it nearly to the ground in late winter each year, and trim by half in summer if needed.

Does gaura need full sun?

Yes. In shade it grows weak and flowers poorly.

Can gaura grow in pots?

The compact varieties do well in pots in a sunny position with a free draining mix.