gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink, white
- Foliage color
- Green, red/burgundy
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist soil of most types. Its white flowers fade to pink with age, and butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. It also tolerates high heat.
Pairs well with Blue-eyed grass, Big bluestem, and Ornamental onion.
Native range
North America.