How to grow gaura

Take a look at our handy Gaura Grow Guide, below.

Where to plant gaura

Gauras are prarie plants native to the southern states of the USA and Mexico and need a warm sunny position. They tolerate partial shade and need moist but well drained soil.

Planting gaura

Dig a generous hole adding in a handful grit and well-rotted compost to improve drainage. Don't plant out too early - grow on in pots and add to borders later on in July when plants are bushier.

Propagation

You can sow seed of gauras in spring, or take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Make bushy plants but trimming cuttings regularly.

Gaura: problem solving

Gauras are generally pest and disease free.

Care

Gauras don't need a lot of maintenance. Cut back and divide congested clumps in spring, but don't try moving more mature plants as they don't transition very successfully. Don't worry if dark spots appear on leaves as this is quite normal. In autumn foliage often turns lovely shades of red in colder weather.

Gaura varieties to try

• Gaura lindheimeri 'The Bride' - forms a mat of soft foliage that contrasts beautifully with its delicate white flowers held on long thin stems. It has a long flowering season that lasts from early summer well into autumn
• Gaura lindheimeri 'Ruby Ruby' - with bright pink flowers and dark, pink-bronze stems and foliage. Shorter than other gauras, it suits natural style plantings at the front of a border, and makes an excellent cut flower
• Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterfly' - with a mat of grey-green foliage that contrasts beautifully with its delicate white-pink flowers
• Gaura lindheimeri 'Gaudwwhi' (Geyser White) - forms a mat of delicate, mid-green foliage and produces white of its flowers, which are held like wands on long thin stems. It has a wild, slightly unkempt look
• Gaura lindheimeri 'Gaudros' (Geyser Pink) - forms a mat of delicate, mid-green foliage that brings out the soft pink of its flowers