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

See our complete Gaura Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Gaura ‘Passionate Rainbow’

‘Passionate Rainbow’ caught my attention the first time I saw it on the bench, and not because of the flowers. The foliage alone is enough to sell it. Each leaf carries a blend of green edged in creamy white with soft pink tones that intensify as temperatures shift, so even before a single bloom opens it already looks finished and intentional. In full sun, that variegation becomes even more pronounced, and the pink hues seem to glow against the lighter margins. It brings color to the garden without relying solely on flowers, which I always appreciate when building layered plantings.

When the delicate pink blooms finally rise on their slender stems, they feel like a bonus rather than the main event. The flowers have that classic Gaura movement, fluttering above the foliage like tiny butterflies in constant motion. Unlike older types grown strictly for bloom, ‘Passionate Rainbow’ gives you season-long interest from the foliage first, then layers in continuous flowering from Late Spring into Fall. The habit stays compact and upright, which makes it dramatically easier to use in structured beds or tighter containers where other Gaura varieties might get loose or unruly. It feels polished, colorful, and well-bred.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Zone 8a testing grounds, I found that full sun is where ‘Passionate Rainbow’ truly shows off. The foliage color deepens and sharpens under bright light, and the plant keeps a sturdy, upright form even as temperatures climb. I planted it in a hot bed near reflective stone where other variegated plants sometimes scorch, and it held beautifully. It did not bleach out, it did not collapse, and it did not require staking. Through heat and humidity, it continued pushing blooms steadily without sacrificing foliage quality. That balance between leaf color and flower production is not easy to find.

Design-wise, this one has been incredibly flexible for us. In containers, it works almost like a built-in thriller and filler at the same time because the foliage is bold but the blooms stay airy. In borders, it adds brightness without needing loud companion colors. I have paired it with darker Salvias and ornamental grasses, and the contrast is sharp and clean. Pollinators move through it consistently, especially bees working the pink blooms throughout the day. Even between bloom flushes, the foliage keeps the plant visually interesting, which makes it feel valuable every single week of the season, not just during peak flower.

Passionate Rainbow vs. Other Gaura Varieties

Gaura Passionate Rainbow is the outlier of the group, valued as much for its foliage as its flowers. Unlike all other varieties listed, it brings multicolored leaves that add interest even when blooms slow down. Compared to Belleza Dark Pink and Belleza White, which are bloom-driven, Passionate Rainbow provides season-long color through both foliage and flowers. Its habit is moderately compact but slightly looser than the Belleza series, giving it a more relaxed, modern look.

When contrasted with Whirling Butterflies, Passionate Rainbow feels more controlled and ornamental, while still retaining movement. It lacks the ultra-clean simplicity of Bantam White, but offers far more visual complexity. This variety shines in mixed containers, modern landscapes, and designs where layered color is the goal. Gardeners who want Gaura to contribute beyond flowers will appreciate how Passionate Rainbow earns its space all season long.