Gaura is native to the southern United States, so it thrives in hot, dry environments, and is useful for xeriscaping.
Latin
Gaura lindheimeri
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 6-9
Timing
Start this perennial Gaura indoors 8-10 weeks transplanting outdoors. Transplant in early spring, when light frost is still possible – the last week in March in south coastal BC. Gaura can also be grown for transplanting in autumn, which insures flowers the following summer.
Or direct sow in early spring or early autumn. Seeds should germinate in 14-30 days.
Starting
Just cover the small seeds, and germinate at 18°-24°C (65°-75°F).
Growing
Space plants 60-90cm (24-36″) apart. Plant in full sun in ordinary, well-drained soil. Keep watered until plants are established, and then only in very dry weather. Gaura is drought resistant, and works really well planted alongside Echinacea and ornamental grasses in a xeriscaping scheme. Deadhead to prolong the flowering period. In the middle of their second season, cut plants back to 20cm (8″) to encourage bushy growth. If you live in Zone 7 or colder, provide winter mulch.