Also known as Beeblossom · 1.3k saves
Gaura
Gaura, the genus most gardeners know as beeblossom. We track 18 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Gaura varieties
Species of Gaura
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gaura in Sow
Save the Gaura you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gaura
Whats common across all Gaura varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them.
The Gaura year
- PruneFebruary and March61% of varieties
Cut back old stems to 2-3 inches above ground in late winter
- DeadheadMay–September56% of varieties
Snip off spent flower spikes to maintain a tidy look and encourage blooms
- PlantMarch, April, September and October44% of varieties
Plant nursery stock after danger of hard frost has passed
- DivideMarch and September44% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years in spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary44% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts
- FertilizeMarch39% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring; avoid overfeeding
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Overwater in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Gaura
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite adequate watering | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Gaura
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks
Seeds
- Sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil moist and warm.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost danger passes.
Gaura questions
How many types of Gaura are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Gaura varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.3k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gaura grow in?
Across its varieties, Gaura covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gaura bloom?
Most Gaura varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to fall, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gaura should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.