1 named cultivar

‘Cool Breeze’White Gaura

perennialN. America Native

Gaura

The Story

Plant Bio

Oenothera lindheimeri, commonly known as gaura, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to Texas and Louisiana that produces slender, upright, wand-like stems. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves often emerge with maroon speckles before maturing to mid-green, supporting terminal panicles of four-petaled, butterfly-like white flowers that open a few at a time.

This species is distinguished by its open, airy-textured growth habit and exceptionally long blooming period from late spring until frost. The asymmetrical flowers feature prominent, protruding stamens and styles that flutter in the slightest breeze, giving the plant a delicate, kinetic appearance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a continuous, airy display of delicate, butterfly-like flowers on slender stems from late spring through fall.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance and thrives in poor, sandy soils where other perennials struggle.

Attracts and supports a wide range of native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

60"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, loamy, or highly permeable soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water moderately during the first growing season to assist deep taproot establishment.
Refrain from applying high-nitrogen fertilizers or heavy organic compost to prevent weak, floppy growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in lean, sandy, or sharply drained soil and avoid organic soil amendments; high fertility and excessive moisture force weak, top-heavy stems that flop under their own weight.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back spent flower spikes selectively to prolong the blooming period.
Prune the entire plant back by half in late spring to encourage a bushier, more compact habit.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent winter root rot.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize or plant in highly fertile, moisture-retaining clay soils.
Do not attempt to transplant or divide established specimens, as the deep taproot is easily damaged.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pinch
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage gardensWildflower meadowsXeriscapesMixed bordersGravel gardensContainer planting

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Rudbeckia Lavandula Nepeta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gaura questions

What zones can Gaura grow in?

Gaura is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gaura deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Gaura, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Gaura bloom?

Gaura typically blooms in late spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gaura need full sun?

Gaura does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Gaura drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gaura handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.