Gaura Ultimate Growth and Care Guide

Discover the Best Guide for Growing Gaura. Want to add grace and movement to your garden? 

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Introduction to Gaura

Gaura, also known as Indian Feather, is a perennial garden favorite cherished for its delicate, butterfly-like blooms and graceful, airy growth habit. There will likely be a lot of confusion when it comes to the common name of this plant. On the internet, Gaura is supposedly also known as Wand Flower or Bee Blossom. And, Proven Winners have named their Gaura “butterfly flowers.” In my 60 years, I’ve never yet heard Gaura referred to by any of those names but some people do inquire about the “Whirling Butterflies” plant, because the Whirling Butterfly variety of Gaura was the only Gaura variety in commercial production for decades until about the 1990s, when Siskiyou Pink Gaura came along. There are, however, inquiries very occasionally by gardeners  for Indian Feather. But most call it Gaura and this may be the best name since the scientific (botanical) name has also changed … my things get complicated sometimes

Native to North America and originally scientifically named Gaura lindheimeri, this plant belongs to the evening primrose family (Onagraceae). Gaura’s scientific (botanical) name has recently changed to Oenothera lindheimeri, but this name change has been slow to be accepted at most Garden Centers.

The name Gaura, derived from the Greek word "gauros," meaning "superb," aptly captures the plant’s striking beauty. Popular and longstanding varieties such as Whirling Butterflies and Siskiyou Pink showcase a range of ethereal whites and vibrant pinks, making Gaura a standout choice for sunny gardens and containers alike.

Beloved for its long, arching stems adorned with small, fluttering flowers, Gaura adds elegance and movement to any landscape. The flowers’ resemblance to butterflies in flight creates a dynamic and enchanting display throughout the growing season. Gaura’s drought tolerance and adaptability to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and even containers further enhance its appeal. Whether used as a focal point or blended with other perennials, Gaura offers versatility and enduring charm, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking effortless beauty.

I first grew Gaura 25+years ago in a mostly shaded area. And, it did not thrive. In fact, it died after 2 years. Lesson learned. This plant is a sun lover and will respond accordingly. When planted in the sun, it will provide airy flowers that dance in the breeze. Used wisely and in the sun, it creates a dynamic display that softens the overall look of any garden or container.

Characteristics of Gaura (Indian Feather)

Renowned for its long blooming period and effortless charm, Gaura is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that brings elegance to a variety of garden settings. Its ability to thrive in sunny locations and withstand drought conditions makes it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal effort. Gaura’s butterfly-like blooms, graceful growth habit, and delicate appearance belie its toughness and adaptability. Whether enhancing a cottage garden, adding vertical interest to a border, or filling a container, Gaura delivers long-lasting beauty and movement throughout the growing season.

Size and Growth Habit

Gaura typically reaches a height of 2–4 feet with a spread of 1–2 feet, depending on the variety, making it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to garden beds. More recent Gaura hybrids tend to be more compact, with heights for 12-18”. Its upright, arching stems create an airy, flowing appearance that softens landscapes and provides a sense of dynamic movement. The plant’s wiry stems are strong yet flexible, allowing them to sway gently in the breeze, enhancing its natural, whimsical appeal. This growth habit makes Gaura ideal for mass plantings or as a thriller or filler in mixed perennial beds, where it complements both structured and informal designs. Despite its delicate look, Gaura is resilient, adapting to various soil types and requiring little maintenance.

Leaves and Flowers

Gaura’s lance-shaped leaves are one of its defining characteristics, growing densely at the base of the plant and gradually tapering off along the wiry stems. This growth pattern creates a balanced structure that highlights the plant’s delicate, airy form while maintaining a robust base. The foliage is smooth-edged and slightly elongated, giving it a clean yet natural aesthetic. Depending on the variety, the leaves range in color from bright green to reddish hues, with some displaying subtle veining or a blush of burgundy, especially in cooler temperatures. This variation in color adds depth and visual interest, allowing the foliage to complement the vibrant blooms without overshadowing them. Together, the leaves and flowers create a harmonious blend of soft texture and striking beauty, ensuring Gaura remains a captivating presence in any garden setting.

The flowers are small, four-petaled, and resemble butterflies in flight, clustering along the wiry upright stems for a continuous, ethereal display. Bloom colors vary by variety, with Bantam White featuring pure white blossoms that seem to float like snowflakes, while Passionate Rainbow boasts vibrant pink flowers that add a bold pop of color amid multi-hued pink, red and green evergreen foliage. The combination of delicate flowers and understated foliage creates a striking visual balance, ensuring Gaura remains a focal point in any garden.

Is Gaura Annual or Perennial?

Gaura is a hardy perennial in USDA Zones 5–9, where it thrives year after year with minimal care. Its deep taproot system allows it to withstand drought and thrive in well-draining soils, making it a reliable option for low-maintenance gardens. In colder zones, Gaura may be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors to ensure its survival through harsh winters. While perennial Gaura varieties tend to be long-lived, they benefit from occasional rejuvenation through pruning or division to maintain their vigor. Regardless of how it’s grown, Gaura’s adaptability ensures it can bring its signature beauty to gardens across a wide range of climates.

Best Varieties of Gaura (Indian Feather) TESTED

Here are some of the top Gaura varieties to consider for your garden:

Best Variety #1: Whirling Butterflies Gaura

This variety is famous for its slender, arching stems adorned with small, white to pale pink flowers that resemble fluttering butterflies, giving the plant a light and whimsical appearance. The airy appearance of the blooms and the soft green foliage make it a classic choice for cottage gardens, borders and for containers needing a tall blooming thriller. Although test trials rank it with a high of 4.3, its name and its commercial availability over the past 30+ years make it the most popular variety by far. Ergo, we rank it the #1 Best Variety.

Best Variety #2: Passionate Rainbow Gaura

Featuring bright pink blooms, this compact variety adds a pop of color to mixed borders and containers and then provides that extra bonus … it’s evergreen foliage. In Zones 7-10, its foliage is a visually stunning sight all winter, with its vibrant blend of colors that range from magenta, red, pink and green with white/cream margins. And did we mention it is EVERGREEN? That makes it super popular. No test trial rankings but it’s been around forever and much deserving of Best Variety #2.

Best Varieties #3: Siskiyou Gaura Series & Belleza Gaura Series

Yes, we lumped two varieties together!!! The more widely known Siskiyou Pink of the Siskiyou Series since its discovery in the 1990’s. Siskiyou Pink Gaura, features bright pink blooms and the Siskiyou White Gaura features pink buds that develop into white flowers. Both approximate 2-3 feet. The foliage is a soft green but will take on an attractive reddish hue in cold weather. This variety is commonly found in Garden Centers. Because it is an older series of Gaura, there are no recent trial ratings. The only trial rating available is from 2016, giving a 4.0 rating for Siskiyou Pink.

The Belleza Series is a shorter, more compact series reaching 1-2 feet. The foliage for this variety is soft green but the stems are often deep magenta, adding visual interest. This variety is more recently developed and there are trial ratings for all varieties including Belleza Deep Pink (4.6), Belleza Pink (4.0) and Belleza White (4.5). 

Honorable Mention #4: Bantam Series

It's embarrassing to admit that with regret, we give the Bantam Series only an Honorable Mention. This is because the Bantam White Improved Gaura received the only 5.0 trial ranking of all the Gaura. The Bantam Pink received a 4.0 trail ranking, FYI. Yet, we’ve never grown or experimented with the Bantam Series Gaura. Growing to heights of 12-18”, it is a more compact Gaura and this makes it more versatile in any garden. Consequently, we see this series potentially moving up in the rankings. For now, #4 is where we rank them. Apologies to the breeder, Green Fuse Botanicals.

How To Grow & Care For Gaura

Gaura is an easy-to-grow perennial known for its resilience and minimal maintenance needs once established. With its delicate, butterfly-like blooms and drought-tolerant nature, Gaura thrives in sunny gardens, making it a versatile addition to borders, cottage gardens, and containers. By following a few simple care guidelines, gardeners can enjoy Gaura’s beauty and charm throughout the growing season.

Planting Gaura

To plant Gaura successfully, choose a well-draining soil and a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in fall or early spring to give the roots ample time to establish before the intense heat of summer. Space plants 18–24 inches apart to promote good airflow and prevent overcrowding, which helps reduce the risk of disease. For container gardening, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix to provide the plant with the ideal growing conditions. Proper planting ensures healthy growth and sets the stage for abundant blooms.

Sunlight Requirements

Gaura thrives in full sun, as it needs plenty of light to produce its signature butterfly-like flowers and maintain its airy growth habit. Sufficient sunlight not only encourages robust growth but also ensures a longer and more vibrant blooming period. Positioning Gaura in the right lighting conditions is crucial for showcasing its best qualities.

Soil Requirements

Well-draining soil is ideal for Gaura, as it prevents excess moisture from accumulating around the roots. The plant prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0–7.0, which supports nutrient absorption and healthy development. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils, which retain water and increase the risk of root rot. If necessary, amend clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. By prioritizing the right soil conditions, gardeners can ensure Gaura’s long-term success.

Watering Needs

Young Gaura plants require regular watering to establish their roots and adapt to their new environment. Once established, the plant becomes drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. 

When faced with drought, Gaura bounces back remarkably well. Its leaves regain their health without turning yellow, and the flowers remain intact. Overwatering should be avoided, as Gaura prefers slightly dry conditions and is more susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. By striking the right balance, gardeners can enjoy a thriving, low-water plant that flourishes even in challenging climates.

Fertilizer Needs

Gaura thrives in lean soils and typically requires minimal fertilization to perform well. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to encourage healthy growth and support its long blooming period. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. In most cases, Gaura’s natural resilience allows it to flourish with little additional feeding, making it a fuss-free choice for gardeners.

Pruning & Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps Gaura looking its best throughout the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and extend the plant’s flowering period. Either remove one stem every 3 weeks or, in midsummer, cut back the plant by one-third to promote bushier growth and a fresh flush of blooms. At the end of the season, trim the plant to 3-6 inches from the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy. These simple steps ensure a tidy and healthy plant that remains a focal point in the garden.

Overwintering

In colder zones, Gaura benefits from winter protection to survive freezing temperatures. Mulch around the base of the plant to insulate its roots from frost, ensuring it returns the following spring. For container-grown Gaura, move the plant indoors to a cool, bright location during the winter months to protect it from harsh weather. These measures allow gardeners in less temperate climates to enjoy Gaura as a perennial despite seasonal challenges.

Common Pests and Diseases

Gaura is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by aphids and spider mites, particularly during dry or stressed conditions. Inspecting the plant regularly and treating infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these issues. 

As for diseases, powdery mildew may appear in overly humid conditions, and root rot can develop from overwatering or poor drainage. Maintaining good air circulation, proper watering practices, and well-draining soil minimizes these risks.

Note that in the fall, you may see white fly and powdery mildew issues. Again, early identification and treatment can help in keeping these issues from becoming a problem. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can generally address burgeoning white fly concerns. Copper fungicide is a great organic method for addressing powdery mildew.

Common Mistakes

Overwatering is a common mistake with Gaura, often leading to root rot and poor plant health. Planting in heavy shade is another error, as it reduces flowering and hinders the plant’s vibrant growth and often may result in death. Failing to cut back leggy blooms regularly can result in an untidy appearance and reduced blooming potential. By addressing these common pitfalls, gardeners can ensure their Gaura thrives and remains an eye-catching addition to the garden.

Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about Gaura that may deter gardeners unnecessarily. One misconception is that Gaura doesn’t attract pollinators. While Gaura is not the strongest pollinator attractor, its flowers are commonly pollinated by bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Another misconception is that while Gaura is drought-tolerant, it also adapts well to regular garden watering, demonstrating its versatility and hardiness in a variety of conditions. Finally, there are many varieties of Gaura on the market, ranging in height from 12-18 inches to 3-4 feet. Consequently, one size does not fit all so choose your varieties carefully to address your needs for thrillers or fillers.

Using Gaura in the Garden

Gaura’s graceful form and long-lasting blooms make it a versatile and striking addition to any garden design. Its delicate, butterfly-like flowers and flowing growth habit add a sense of movement and charm, complementing both formal and informal planting schemes. Whether used as a focal point or blended into mixed borders, Gaura stands out for its beauty and adaptability. Its ability to thrive in sunny, low-maintenance settings makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking reliable, season-long interest. With options for ground plantings and container displays, Gaura fits seamlessly into a variety of garden styles.

Most Common Use: Cottage Gardens

Gaura is a quintessential choice for cottage gardens, where its delicate flowers and wispy stems blend beautifully with other soft, romantic plants. Its natural, untamed look complements the informal style of cottage gardens, creating a harmonious mix with plants like lavender, salvia, and roses. Gaura’s ability to bloom continuously throughout the season ensures it provides color and texture well into late summer and fall. Its upright growth habit adds vertical interest without overwhelming other plants, making it ideal for filling gaps or adding height in mixed borders. Planted en masse, Gaura creates a dreamy, meadow-like effect that embodies the essence of cottage garden charm.

Second Most Common Use: Containers

Compact Gaura varieties, such as Belleza Dark Pink and Bantam White, are perfect for container gardening, where they add height, texture, and movement to patio and balcony displays. Their upright, arching stems and delicate flowers bring elegance and interest to planters, especially when paired with trailing plants like bacopa or calibrachoa. Gaura’s drought-tolerant nature makes it particularly well-suited for containers, as it requires minimal watering compared to more demanding plants. Its continuous blooming ensures that containers remain vibrant and eye-catching throughout the season. Whether used as a centerpiece in a mixed arrangement or as a standalone display, Gaura elevates the aesthetic of any container garden.

Third Most Common Use: Pollinator Gardens

Gaura is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. The plant’s long blooming period ensures a consistent food source for local wildlife, making it a valuable addition to eco-conscious gardens. Its flowers, which resemble fluttering butterflies, not only draw pollinators but also add a dynamic visual element as the stems sway gently in the breeze. Gaura thrives alongside other pollinator-friendly plants like coneflowers, coreopsis, and milkweed, enhancing biodiversity and supporting garden ecosystems. By including Gaura in a pollinator garden, gardeners can enjoy its beauty while contributing to the health of local wildlife.

Graceful Gaura Blooms On!

Looking to grow Gaura in your garden? Here at Garden Delivery, we offer the finest Gaura plants, grown from top-quality genetics and sourced from the industry’s most trusted growers. Known for their airy blooms and graceful movement in the breeze, Gaura adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. We’re dedicated to providing detailed plant information and performance insights to help you choose with confidence. Bring home this low-maintenance beauty today and enjoy months of soft, fluttering color in your garden beds or containers.