Gaura, Pink

Gaura lindheimeri, often referred to as gaura or pink gaura, is a herbaceous perennial that adds charm to gardens, particularly its native lands in Texas and Louisiana. This lovely plant can grow up to 5 feet tall, adorned with graceful spoon-shaped to lanceolate leaves that reach about 3 inches long. Its pinkish buds, which grace wiry, erect, wand-like stems, bloom into stunning white flowers that softly transition to pink. These flowers gather in long, loose clusters at the tips of the stems, opening a few at a time to create a lovely ballet of color. Occasionally, the narrow, lance-shaped leaves—measuring between 1 to 3 inches—might surprise you with charming maroon spots.  

For optimal growth, gaura thrives in sandy, loamy, and well-drained soils, basking in full sun. This plant truly loves good drainage, as it boasts a tap root that allows it to endure heat, humidity, and even drought. To keep the blooms coming, simply remove the spent flower spikes. If you find that the flower stems are getting leggy and flopping, especially in rich soils, you can give them a little more support by planting them closer together or allowing taller perennials to lend a hand. Additionally, plants that tend to grow tall can be gently trimmed back by half in late spring to keep their size manageable. If you leave the spent flower stems in place come fall, you might even enjoy the surprise of some self-seeding.