Gaura (Bee Blossom)

Gaura Main Species

The genus Gaura consists of several species, although only a few are commonly cultivated. Here are the main species:

• Gaura lindheimeri (White Gaura, Lindheimer’s Beeblossom): Native to Texas and Louisiana, this is the most common species cultivated in gardens. It produces tall, graceful spikes of white flowers that fade to pink as they age.
• Gaura coccinea (Red Gaura, Scarlet Beeblossom): Native to North America, Scarlet Beeblossom is a perennial plant that forms colonies and reaches a height of 1-4 feet (30-120 cm). It features multiple stems, some of which may have gray hairs, along with narrow oblong leaves. The spike-like inflorescence produces honeysuckle-like flowers that bloom from the bottom to the top, creating an attractive display.
• Gaura biennis (Biennial Gaura): This species is native to the central and eastern United States. It’s a biennial or short-lived perennial plant with clusters of long-tubed white flowers that gradually turn pink as they age. These elegant blooms appear in groups of 2 or 3 on wand-like spikes extending from the upper portion of the plant. With a height ranging from 2 to 6 feet (60-180 cm), it adds a graceful touch to any garden or landscape.
• Gaura parviflora (Smallflower Gaura): As the name suggests, this species has smaller flowers than other species. It’s a perennial plant native to the central United States and northern Mexico.

Most garden varieties are derived from G. lindheimeri and may also involve hybridization with other species.

Why Should I Grow Gaura?

Growing Gaura in your garden can have numerous benefits:

• Long Blooming Period: Gaura plants have a long blooming period, usually from early summer through fall, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
• Drought Tolerance: Gauras are very drought-tolerant once established, making them excellent choices for xeriscapes or low-water gardens. This quality also makes them relatively low-maintenance, particularly in regions with hot, dry summers.
• Attract Pollinators: The delicate flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. Growing Gaura can help support these pollinators, contributing to a healthier ecosystem in your garden.
• Versatility: The plant is versatile and works well in various garden settings, from mixed borders to wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens to containers. Its height and graceful waving habit also make it an excellent choice as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
• Easy to Grow: Gaura is generally easy to grow, with few pest or disease problems. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, which can be a significant advantage in some areas.
• Adds Movement: The tall, wand-like flower stems sway in the breeze, adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the garden.

Garden Design with Gaura

Gaura can be used in many ways in garden design due to its height, flowering habit, and general adaptability. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your garden:

• Mixed Perennial Borders: Gaura works well in a mixed border, offering a vertical accent amongst other perennials. Their airy, delicate flowers provide a soft contrast to more substantial plants.
• Container Gardens: Due to their long, willowy stems, Gaura is also well suited to container gardening, where they can provide height and movement. Plant them in the center of a large container surrounded by trailing or mounding plants for a stunning display.
• Wildflower or Prairie Gardens: Gaura’s natural habitat is in the prairies and meadows of North America. Therefore, they are a perfect addition to a wildflower or prairie garden. Plant them alongside other native species for a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.
• Butterfly Gardens: The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, so they are an excellent choice for a butterfly or pollinator garden.
• Xeriscapes or Drought-Tolerant Gardens: As drought-tolerant plants, Gaura is perfect for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. Combine them with other drought-tolerant species for a resilient, water-wise garden.
• Coastal Gardens: Gaura’s tolerance for sandy soils makes it a great choice for coastal gardens.

Companion Plants

Gaura’s graceful growth habit and long bloom season make it an excellent companion plant in many garden scenarios. Here are some plants that pair well with it:

• Grasses: Gaura’s delicate, airy form contrasts nicely with the sturdier structure of ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), or Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum).
• Perennials: Pair Gaura with other perennials that enjoy similar growing conditions. Some options might include Coneflowers (Echinacea), Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), or Yarrow (Achillea).
• Succulents: In a xeriscape or drought-tolerant garden, Gaura pairs well with succulents like Sedum, Echeveria, or Agave.
• Herbs: Consider planting Gaura in a pollinator-friendly herb garden, where it can complement plants like Lavender, Sage, or Rosemary.
• Bulbs: Gaura can help hide the dying foliage of spring-blooming bulbs like Daffodils or Tulips as the season progresses.
• Shrubs: Gaura’s height and airiness make it a nice backdrop for shorter shrubs such as potentilla or spiraea.

Remember that Gaura, with its tall, arching stems, needs space to sway and move in the breeze, so don’t plant it too closely to its companions. Its delicate pink or white flowers will bring a light, airy feel to any planting arrangement.

Growing Tips

Gaura is a robust and easy-to-grow perennial plant. Here are some tips to help you grow it successfully:

• Location: Gaura thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. A sunny spot will promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Gaura prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor, rocky soils and is drought-resistant once established. However, it does not do well in heavy clay soils that retain water.
• Planting: Plant Gaura in the spring or early summer. Space plants 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow for their spread and airy growth habit.
• Watering: Gaura is drought-tolerant but will appreciate regular watering in the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After that, it can handle less frequent watering.
• Fertilizing: Gaura generally doesn’t require much fertilization. If your soil is poor, you could use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring.
• Pruning: Trim back spent flower spikes to encourage repeat blooming. In late fall or early spring, cut back the whole plant to about 6 inches (15 cm) to promote new growth.
• Pests and Diseases: Gaura is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in wet conditions. It’s best to prevent this by ensuring the plant has good airflow and doesn’t sit in waterlogged soil.

Remember that Gaura self-seeds readily, so if you don’t want new plants popping up, remove spent flowers before they set seed. This perennial is ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds movement and delicate beauty to the garden.