Description
Description: Height, spread, bloom
Gaura grows in clumps of long, thin, wiry stems 40-120 cm tall and as wide. It bears dainty white, butterfly-like flowers, tinged with pink, throughout the moving shrub. The leaves are small and inconspicuous.
Propagation
It is propagated from seed or seedlings that emerge from these self-seeding plants but taking cuttings is the best way to go. With a sharp knife or pruners, cut off 10 cm shoots that are growing from the base of the stem. Cut them off as close to the crown as possible without damaging it. Gently push the cuttings into soggy potting soil about 3 cm deep. Place them in a protected location out of sunlight and winds. Keep the soil moist at all times, watering daily. It can take up to two months for new growth to appear.
Season for planting
Spring
Requirements: location, soil, light, water, frost, warnings
It may be invasive in prime conditions. It thrives in full sun with excellent drainage and tolerates extreme heat and humidity as well as cold.
Blooming season
From early spring till late autumn
Diseases and other problems
It is generally pest and disease-free, but may be affected by certain pests like aphids. Infestations of spider mites, whiteflies, and leaf miners are less common,
Maintenance
It is recommended that gaura is cut back to the ground in autumn. Cutting back the stems after the first main bloom, will encourage a tidy plant and encourage repeat blooming.
Benefits for beesIt has a long bloom time and bees are very active in the early morning.