The scientifically name of Gaura is Oenothera
lindheimeri and the plant is a low-maintenance perennial plant that may give
coneflower a run for its money in the cultivated wildflower popularity contest.
The origin of the plant name comes from the Greek word gauros, which means
superb. The Gaura plant is also known as
wandflower, whirling butterfly, and bee blossom, the plant can range from fifteen
inches to four feet tall, but most new
cultivars are bred to be compact and container-friendly.
Furthermore, one of the best features
of the Gaura plants is the long bloom time, which is longer than most
perennials. The heaviest blooming occurs in early summer, although you can
expect flushes of flowers to recur throughout the summer and into fall in USDA
growing zones five through nine. The Gaura plants are best planted in the
spring or fall. The plant foliage is lance-shaped and often tinged with pink,
cream, or gold, depending on the variety. Wiry flower stems bear many one inch
flowers with 4 petals each. Flowers are white, pink, or a combination of the 2.
Gaura plants Info
The common name: The common names are
wandflower, whirling butterfly, bee blossom.
The botanical name: The botanical name is Oenothera lindheimeri.
Family: Gaura belongs to Onagraceae
family.
The plant type: The plant is perennial, herbaceous.
The mature size: The mature size is 15–48 in. tall, 15–48 in.
wide
The sun exposure: The plant prefers full
sun.
The soil type: The plant does well in
sandy soil.
The soil pH: Acidic, alkaline,
neutral
The blooming time: The blooming time is
summer, fall.
The flower color: The flower colors
are white, pink.
USDA Hardiness Zones: five through nine.
The native area: Gaura plant is
native to North America.
Gaura Plant Care
The Gaura plant is actually a
low-maintenance plant that is a good choice for novice gardeners. Its waving
wands dotted with a lot of pinkish flowers don't stop blooming in triple-digit
temperatures or in dry weather that turns lawns crisp.
However, the Gaura plants are easy to
care for, but the plant may be affected by certain pests like aphids.
Infestations of whiteflies, spider mites, and leaf miners are less common, although
still possible. The applications of insecticidal soap can naturally resolve any
problems with pests.
Light requirement: The Gaura plant thrives
and blooms best in full sun but will tolerate some afternoon shade, mostly in
hot climates.
Soil requirement: Along with ample of
sunshine, a good drainage is the key to success with Gaura plant. The Gaura
plants aren’t the longest-lived perennials in any case, and wet winter soil can
easily kill the plant. You can amend the
soil with a mix of compost and grit or, better yet, plant them in raised beds.
Space the plants at least twelve inches apart, and plant in groups of 3 or 5
plants for maximum impact.
Water requirement: Water the Gaura plant
infrequently but deeply to help the plants establish their deep roots.
Temperature and humidity requirement:
The Gaura plant tolerates extreme heat and humidity as well as cold, which
makes it suitable to be grown in a wide range of climate zones.
Fertilizer requirement: The Gaura plant
thrives in poor soil and doesn’t need supplemental flower fertilizer. Too much
manure or fertilizer can easily make the plant floppy.
Pruning the plant: You can cut back
the stems of the plant after the first main bloom to encourage a tidy plant and
spur repeat blooming.
How to Grow Gaura from Seed
You can easily start the Gaura plant from
seed in cell flats indoors or direct seed them in the garden. The Gaura plants seeds
need light to germinate so do not cover them. Germination at seventy degrees Fahrenheit
will take twenty-one to thirty-five days.
Pest Control
The Gaura plants don't actually suffer
from many pests, although they can be vulnerable to aphids in the early summer,
which you can easily spray them with a hose or insecticidal soap.
You can also make your Gaura plants less
welcoming to these pests by removing dead plant. Make sure you always keep your
flowerbeds weeded.
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