How to Grow and Care for the Gara Plant (Gaura)
Achieve success with the low-maintenance Gaura plant. Our guide explains how proper siting and simple care help this hardy perennial thrive and bloom all season.
The Gaura plant is a perennial known for its graceful and airy appearance. Its common names, including “whirling butterflies” and “beeblossom,” reflect its character as the four-petaled white or pink flowers are on long, thin stems that move with the slightest breeze. This North American native forms a basal clump of foliage from which these slender stems emerge, giving the plant an open and delicate structure.
Planting Gaura
The best time to plant Gaura is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall in warmer regions. Spring planting is recommended for cooler climates to allow the root system to establish before winter. Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight for strong growth and abundant flowering. Too much shade will result in weak stems that are prone to flopping over.
Gaura has a long taproot that makes it drought-tolerant once established but also difficult to transplant, so choose a permanent location. The soil must be sandy or loamy with excellent drainage. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the container. Space plants about two to three feet apart for adequate air circulation.
This plant is also well-suited for container gardening. Select a container at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the taproot and ensure it has drainage holes. A standard potting mix amended with perlite to improve drainage is effective.
Gaura Plant Care
During its first growing season, Gaura requires regular watering to establish its deep taproot system. Once established, it becomes very drought-tolerant and handles heat well. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the top two to three inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Gaura is a hardy perennial, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 9.
The plant is adapted to sandy or even poor soils and does not require a nutrient-rich environment. Fertilizer is not needed and can be detrimental. Overly fertile soil can lead to excessive foliage and weak, floppy stems that cannot support the flowers.
Pruning is beneficial for keeping Gaura compact and encouraging a longer blooming period. In mid-summer, shearing the plant back by about one-third to one-half its height can stimulate a second flush of flowers in the fall. A harder pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, cutting the plant back to remove old growth and make way for new foliage.
Popular Gaura Varieties
Several Gaura cultivars are available, offering variations in flower color and plant height.
- ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is one of the most well-known varieties, celebrated for its pure white flowers that may have a subtle pink blush. It is a taller cultivar, often reaching heights of two to three feet.
- ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is a popular choice that features bright, clear pink flowers on stems that reach a similar height to ‘Whirling Butterflies’ and brings a vibrant presence to garden borders.
- ‘Rosy Jane’ produces unique bicolored flowers that are white with a distinct pink edge.
- ‘Crimson Butterflies’ offers a striking contrast with deep crimson-pink flowers and dark reddish foliage. This type has a bushy, compact form.
- ‘Belleza’ and ‘Ballerina’ are other series that include compact plants with pink or white flowers, ideal for the front of a border or patio pots.
Common Problems and Solutions
The most significant issue that can affect Gaura is root rot. This problem is a direct result of soil that does not drain well or from excessive watering. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves and a mushy texture at the base of the plant. Since the condition is often fatal once it takes hold, prevention through proper site selection and watering is the only reliable solution.
Gaura is generally resistant to pests, though aphids can sometimes become an issue. These small insects can typically be managed with a strong spray of water from a hose to dislodge them. For more persistent infestations, insecticidal soap can be an effective treatment.
Legginess, where stems become long, weak, and flop over, is another concern. This is caused by insufficient sunlight or soil that is too rich in nutrients. Corrective pruning, such as shearing the plant back in mid-summer, encourages a more compact and sturdy growth habit. Planting it among other sturdy perennials can also provide natural support.