Species

perennialN. America Native

White Gaura

The Story

Plant Bio

Oenothera lindheimeri is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to the sandy, well-draining soils of Texas and Louisiana. It produces airy, upright-to-arching wiry stems clad in narrow, hairy dark green leaves that grow from a basal clump.

'Cool Breeze' is distinguished by its pure white flowers that open sequentially along wand-like spikes from summer until the first frost. Unlike older wild selections, the blossoms and their supporting sepals and stamens remain clean white without fading to pink.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a long-lasting, airy texture with pure white flowers that sway in the wind from summer to frost.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance once established, making it ideal for low-water and gravel gardens.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators to its open, accessible flowers.

SpeciesOenothera lindheimeriGaura

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun throughout the day to ensure strong, upright stem growth.
Incorporate sand, grit, or organic matter into the planting area to guarantee sharp drainage, as heavy or waterlogged soil causes rapid root failure.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the taproot, then reduce watering once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in rich soils or applying heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which cause the wiry stems to become weak, excessively tall, and prone to severe flopping. Natural maroon spotting on the foliage is a normal genetic trait and should not be mistaken for a fungal infection.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune stems back by up to fifty percent in late spring to encourage a bushier habit and prevent late-season flopping.
Cut the plant back in midsummer to stimulate a fresh flush of clean foliage and autumn flowers.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to minimize the risk of powdery mildew and rust.

Don't

Do not fertilize heavily, as excess nutrients ruin the naturally upright form and lead to weak, lodging stems.
Do not attempt to transplant or divide established specimens, as the deep taproot resents soil disturbance.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood that lacks visible, living buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Gravel and Rock GardensCottage GardensWildflower MeadowsPerennial BordersDrought-Tolerant Landscaping

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Lavandula Rudbeckia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Gaura questions

What zones can White Gaura grow in?

White Gaura is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is White Gaura deer resistant?

Yes — White Gaura is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does White Gaura bloom?

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

Does White Gaura need full sun?

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

Is White Gaura drought tolerant?

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