All About Gauras

The delicate appearance of gauras (formerly Gaura lindheimeri, now Oenothera lindheimeri) is somewhat misleading. This native from Texas and Louisiana is actually a very hardy perennial. They will tolerate prolonged periods of drought, heat, humidity and neglect. In perfect conditions it is also disease and pest free!

The natural growth form is vase-shaped with semi-arching, densely clustered wand-like stems. Each stem bears spikes of dainty flowers resembling fluttering butterfly wings. The four-petalled flowers may start off as tight pink buds. They then open to white, before maturing to rosy pink before falling off. The flowering lasts from early spring to late autumn and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In South Africa, we are lucky to have access to quite a few varieties of gaura. They vary from tall to compact growth habits and have different colours from pure white to deep rosy pink.

Angel wings, as they are also known, fulfil many roles. They can be used as very floriferous gap fillers in perennial beds, they complement roses and ornamental grasses, and they give a dramatic effect if planted en masse. The latest varieties include ‘Sparkle White’, ‘Belleza Pink’, ‘Little Janie’, ‘Belleza White’ and ‘Belleza Dark Pink’.

A classic combination is the compact and more upright variety ‘Belleza Dark Pink’ paired with Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’ (which has dark blue flower spikes) and the variegated, strap-like leaves of Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’ (flax lily). A bed of these will be a symphony of colour as well as texture!

What Gauras need

Location: full sun or light shade. In warm summer gardens, a position with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.

Soil: any type is suitable. However, add compost and bone meal to encourage strong root growth. You can even put in a handful of general garden fertilizer (such as the slow-release 3:1:5 or 2:3:2) or an organic equivalent.

Water: irrigate regularly – about two to three times a week if it is very warm. Make sure that the soil drains well.

Pruning: cut back lightly after the first blooms in spring to encourage new summer growth. Additionally, cut back heavily after the last blooms of autumn (at this point the plants will appreciate a handful of fertilizer or a fresh layer of compost).

Watch out for this

Sparse and leggy growth means that the plant is not being cut back enough. Trim them lightly after a good flowering flush in late spring to encourage fresh summer growth, and cut them back heavily after the last blooms of late autumn.
If you notice rust spots on the leaves it might be due to poor drainage or too much water.
Angel wings are perennial and frost hardy, but the plants won’t last forever. If performance becomes poor, replace them with fresh stock. Use pruned off stems as cuttings to root new plants in summer and autumn.