How to Grow and Care for Gaura (Wandflower)

The gaura plant, also called wandflower or bee blossom, is a low-maintenance, long-blooming native perennial with lance-like foliage. The plant's flower stems feature 1-inch, four-petalled white or pink flowers that look similar to butterflies. You can spot the most blooms during the summer, but they can also last through fall.

Gaura grows best in sandy, well-draining soil with full sun exposure and regular watering. It can tolerate extreme heat and occasional drought.

Common Name	Gaura, wandflower, whirling butterfly, bee blossom
Botanical Name	Oenothera lindheimeri
Family	Onagraceae
Plant Type	Perennial, herbaceous
Mature Size	15–48 in. tall, 15–48 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	Sandy
Soil pH	Acidic, alkaline, neutral
Bloom Time	Summer, fall
Flower Color	White, pink
Hardiness Zones	5-9 (USDA)
Native Area	North America

How to Plant Gaura (Wandflower)

The airy texture and form of gaura make them lovely accent plants in a mixed perennial border. You can plant masses in a wildflower gardenas these “whirling butterflies” dance in the breeze.

When to Plant

Gaura is best planted in the spring or fall. However, only plant perennial varieties in the fall since annuals will die with frosty weather.

Since gaura are mainly hybrids, seeds gathered from your blooming plants will not grow true to the parent plant the next growing season. It's best to source seeds from nurseries and seed distributors. You can also propagate new plants from cuttings.

Selecting a Planting Site

These plants can be grown in containers or ground in USDA zones 5 through 9. The best site for a gaura plant is in full sun, in sandy, well-draining soil. It doesn't need rich soil, though it needs soil at least a foot deep for its long taproot to establish itself.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

These plants normally self-sow. When planting seeds, only plant about 1/8 inch deep, barely covering the seeds. 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. If your gaura plants flop in the garden, you can stake them or use supportive companion plants to keep the flower spikes out of the mud. Rigid, upright flowers like yarrow, 'Autumn Joy' sedum, or Liatris have similar growing conditions and blooming times. Consider planting with butterfly weed and globe thistle for a dry garden that will attract pollinators.

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Gaura (Wandflower) Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a gaura (wandflower):

• Plant in a full-sun location.
• Needs sandy or well-draining soil; dislikes soggy soil.
• Water deeply but infrequently; it's a drought-resistant plant.
• Tolerates extreme heat and sun; handles cold temperatures down to minus 20°F.
• Refrain from giving fertilizer, which causes the plant to droop.
  

Light

Gaura thrives and blooms best in full sun but will tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in hot climates.

Soil

Along with plenty of sunshine, excellent drainage is the key to success with gaura plantings. They are not the longest-lived perennials, and wet winter soil will kill these drought-tolerant natives. Amend the soil with a mix of compost and 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 infrequently but deeply to help the plants establish their deep roots.

Temperature and Humidity

Gaura tolerates extreme heat, humidity, and cold, making it suitable for growing in various climate zones. Its waving wands dotted with dozens of pinkish flowers don't stop blooming in triple-digit temperatures or dry weather that usually turns lawns crisp.

Fertilizer

Gaura thrives in poor soil and doesn’t need supplemental flower fertilizer. Too much manure or fertilizer can make the plant floppy.

From: thespruce