Gaura lindheimeri
You can find Gaura lindheimeri and its cultivars adding delicate grace across the garden - in the Canal Borders full of half-hardy perennials; grown with Lavandula canariensis in the Container Garden; and in the less formal but romantically spectacular Glasshouse Borders.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- White gaura
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Height & spread
- -1.5m (3-5ft) high and 0.5-1.0m (1.5-3ft) wide
- Form
- Clump-forming herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Frost hardy, might need protection over winter
Gaura
Gaura is a genus of about 20 annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs. They produce panicles of starry, usually four-petalled flowers in white or pink, over a long period. They originate in moist places and prairies of southern North America and have a graceful habit that makes them popular border plants.
The name Gaura is from the Greek Gauros meaning ‘superb’, and relates to the striking flowers.
Gaura lindheimeri
G. lindheimeri is a bushy perennial from Texas and Louisiana with slender erect stems bearing small spoon-shaped leaves. From late spring to autumn it carries long panicles of starry white or pink-tinged flowers. It is a great late summer performer that adds a light touch of airiness to a border. It is also noted for being drought tolerant.
This species is named in honour of Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879), a German political exile who made large botanical collections in Texas for Harvard University.
It is sometimes called Lindheimer’s beeblossom, and has many cultivars in various shades of white and pink.
Cultivation
- Best grown in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, but dry soils and partial shade tolerated.
- Cut back after flowering.
- Generally free from pests and diseases.
Propagation
- Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring to early summer.
- Take basal or softwood cuttings in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
AGM
The RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee awarded Gaura lindheimeri an Award of Garden Merit in 1993.