Oenothera lindheimeriGaura lindheimeri, often referred to as gaura or pink gaura, is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 5 feet tall. Its pinkish buds, which grow on wiry, erect, wand-like stems, bloom into white flowers that softly transition to pink. These flowers gather in long, loose clusters at the tips of the stems, opening a few at a time. Occasionally, the narrow, lance-shaped leaves—measuring between 1 to 3 inches—might surprise you with charming maroon spots. For optimal growth, gaura thrives in full sun and sandy, loamy, and well-drained soils. This plant loves good drainage, as it boasts a tap root that allows it to endure heat, humidity, and even drought. To keep the blooms coming, simply remove the spent flower spikes. If you find that the flower stems are getting leggy and flopping, especially in rich soils, you can give them a little more support by planting them closer together or allowing taller perennials to lend a hand. Additionally, plants that tend to grow tall can be trimmed back by half in late spring to keep their size manageable. If you leave the spent flower stems in place come fall, you might even enjoy the surprise of some self-seeding. BONAP MAPHeight: 2’-4'Spread: 1.5’-2'Bloom: May-SeptemberLight: Full SunWater: MediumZone: 5-9 Origin: Texas
