Gaura Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gaura plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Gaura, Beeblossom, Linda Tarde, & Velvetweed: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants that belong to the Gaura genus are half hardy annuals or half hardy perennial shrubs that range from 60 cm to 1.2 metres (2 to 4 feet) in height.

Gaura plants bloom from summer through to autumn

They carry spikes of white or pink flowers.

Gaura coccinea - Scarlet gaura by Photogramma1.

Gaura biennis by Gmayfield10; creative commons.

How to Grow Gaura Plants in the Garden

When growing Gaura outdoors from seed, sow annual varieties just after the last frost of spring. Sow perennial varieties either at the start of autumn or the start of spring. Lightly cover the Gaura seeds once sown.

Ideally the plants should be spaced at about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) apart.

Locate in a sunny part of the garden, that has good drainage and an ordinary soil.

If starting off indoors, then sow out seeds about 5 weeks (annuals) or 10 weeks (perennials) in advance.

Gaura germination takes from two to five weeks at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees centigrade (64 to 75°F).

Transplant annual Gaura varieties out in the garden following the last frost. Transplant perennials in the autumn or just before the last frost.

Caring for Gaura Plants

It is easy to look after Gaura plants, they are naturally from dry areas of central America and can thus tolerate drought. So there is no need to water them.

If you remove spent flowers, the blooming period will be prolonged.

During the second year of growth, it is a good idea to cut back the plant to about 25 cm (10 inches) in height. This will encourage them to branch and become more shrub like.

If you require further plants, then propagate perennial Gaura by division in the spring or autumn.

Common Questions

How many members does the Gaura genus have?

The Gaura genus has about 20 species.

Do members of Gaura make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Gaura are popular in gardens for their delicate, butterfly-like flowers and their long blooming period.

Which Gaura species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The species most often grown is Gaura lindheimeri, also known as the Wandflower or Beeblossom.

Are members of the Gaura plant genus fragrant?

Generally, Gaura species are not noted for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Gaura?

Gaura thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. They are tolerant of heat and drought.

Is Gaura invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Gaura is not listed as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Gaura plants from my garden?

To remove Gaura, dig out the plant, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible.

Summary

The Gaura genus, often known as Beeblossom, is part of the Onagraceae family. These perennials, native to North America, are recognized for their tall, airy stalks of white or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to fall.

Gaura should be planted in spring in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gaura plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Evening Primrose, Dragonroot plant, and Zauschneria plants.