Oenothera lindheimeri Snow Fountain ('Walsnofou') (G)

RHS Plant Profile
white gaura [Snow Fountain]

Synonyms

Oenothera lindheimeri 'Walsnofou'
Gaura lindheimeri 'Walsnofou'
Gaura lindheimeri Snow Fountain

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A bushy, often short-lived perennial with slender, erect stems to about 80cm. It bears loose sprays of delicate, starry white flowers from late spring, through summer and into autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Oenothera can be annuals, biennials or perennials, upright or spreading in habit, with simple or lobed leaves and bowl-shaped, white, yellow or pink flowers over a long period in summer
Name Status
Trade
Horticultural Group
This genus has changed from Gaura to Oenothera

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Dry soil and partial shade tolerated

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Reduce by a third in autumn to tidy, and cut back to near ground level in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free