Botanical Name: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Passionate Rainbow’

Common Name: Gaura, Beeblossom, Wandflower

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 14–20" Tall × 14–20" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Upright, Well-Branched, Airy Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Color and Flowering); Tolerates Light Shade

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Variegated Green, Cream, and Pink-Tinted Foliage; Soft Pink Butterfly-Like Flowers; Long Bloom Season; Heat Tolerant; Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Borders, Containers, Pollinator Gardens, Cottage Gardens, and Color-Focused Designs

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Gaura ‘Passionate Rainbow’

Gaura ‘Passionate Rainbow’ stands out for its multicolored variegated foliage, which blends shades of green, cream, and soft pink even before the plant begins to flower. As the season progresses, delicate pink, butterfly-like blooms appear above the foliage, adding movement and lightness without overpowering the plant’s colorful base.

Unlike traditional gaura grown primarily for flowers, ‘Passionate Rainbow’ delivers dual-season interest—foliage color from early growth through fall, paired with continuous flowering once bloom begins. The compact habit keeps the plant tidy and easy to place in both containers and garden beds.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Passionate Rainbow’ has been a strong performer in full sun, where foliage color is most intense. It maintains a compact, upright shape without staking and continues flowering steadily through heat and humidity.

We especially appreciate its versatility in design. It works beautifully as a container feature, a front-to-mid border perennial, or a colorful accent in pollinator plantings. Bees and butterflies visit regularly, and the foliage provides interest even between bloom cycles.

Gaura ‘Passionate Rainbow’ vs. Other Gaura

Compared to classic varieties like ‘Whirling Butterflies,’ ‘Passionate Rainbow’ offers far more foliage color and a more compact form, making it better suited to structured gardens and containers. While classic gaura emphasizes height and motion, this selection balances movement with color.

When compared to compact series like Belleza® or Bantam®, ‘Passionate Rainbow’ stands apart for its variegated foliage, adding an extra layer of visual interest beyond flower color alone. For gardeners seeking a compact, heat-tolerant gaura with both colorful foliage and season-long blooms, Gaura ‘Passionate Rainbow’ is an excellent choice.