Wiry flower stems feature many 1-inch, four-petalled white or pink flowers looking like butterflies on long stems.
Its heaviest bloom period is in summer, although blooms typically last until fall.
Gaura grows best in sandy, well-draining soil with full sun exposure and regular watering.
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It can tolerate extreme heat and occasional drought.
you’re able to plant masses in awildflower gardenas these whirling butterflies dance in the breeze.
When to Plant
Gaura is best planted in the spring or fall.
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However, only plant perennial varieties in the fall since annuals will die with frosty weather.
It’s best to source seeds from nurseries and seed distributors.
you’re able to also propagate new plants from cuttings.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The best site for a gaura plant is in full sun, in sandy, well-draining soil.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
These plants normally self-sow.
When planting seeds, only plant about 1/8 inch deep, barely covering the seeds.
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Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for the plants to spread.
Do not give these plants fertilizer.
Fertile soil can make them floppy.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Rigid, upright flowers likeyarrow,‘Autumn Joy’ sedum, orLiatrishave similar growing conditions and blooming times.
Consider planting withbutterfly weedandglobe thistlefor a dry garden that will attract pollinators.
Soil
Along with plenty of sunshine, excellent drainage is the key to success with gaura plantings.
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They are not thelongest-livedperennials, and wet winter soil will kill these drought-tolerant natives.
Amend the soil with a mix ofcompostand grit, or, better yet, plant them in raised beds.
Space gaura at least 12 inches apart in groups of three or five plants for maximum impact.
Water
Water gaura infrequentlybut deeply to help the plants establish their deep roots.
Fertilizer
Gaura thrives in poor soil and doesnt need supplementalflower fertilizer.
Too muchmanureor fertilizer can make the plant floppy.
Or, if it has suffered winter damage, cut it down to about 10 inches of growth.
Pruning encourages new, fresh growth.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Propagating Gaura (Wandflower)
Gaura can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Division is tricky due to the long taproot, and plants do not need dividing to stay vigorous.
Propagation from cuttings is the way to go.
The seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them.
Germination at 70F will take 21 to 35 days.
The roots don’t like to sit in soggy soil.
For the potting medium, use an all-purpose potting mix.
This layer also creates a barrier, preventing weed seeds from reaching the soil and taking root.
Infestations ofspider mites,whiteflies, and leaf miners are less common but still possible.
To resolve pest problems, applyinsecticidal soapor spray the plants with water to wash them away.
Attract parasitic wasps into your garden with a companion planting ofsweet alyssum.
Leaf spot, rust, and mildew occasionally affect these plants.
How Long Does Gaura (Wandflower) Bloom?
Gaura blooms last from early summer through the fall, especially when aided with deadheading.
What Do Gaura Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Gaura flowers look like butterflies perched on the end of wands.
Deadhead the wilted flowers to prolong the bloom time.
Deadheading Gaura Flowers
Remove flowers as they fade or cut away wilted flower spikes for more blooms.
They rarely encounter frequent problems, although they sometimes get curling or yellowing leaves.
Curling Leaves
Gaura is drought-tolerant but can become too dry, especially in extreme heat.
Ensure the plant gets ample water to prevent foliage from curling or burning.
Water deeply but infrequently.
Burning leaves look crisp with reddish edges.
This reddish curling may also indicate too much fertilizer, causing leaf scorch.
Cut back on watering, or shelter the plant during overly rainy periods.
Drooping Foliage
Drooping leaves or stems signals too much fertilizer.
Only give fertilizer at most once a year or top dress with compost.
Gaura is a perennial that returns annually in the correct hardiness zones (5-8).
Gaura is a short-lived perennial that can live about three years before dying.
