Gaura Compact White

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Onagranaceae

Order

Myrtales

Genus

Gaura

Species

lindheimeri

Description

A perennial ornamental herb with a compact growth habit and profuse branching, growing up to 50 cm tall; prized by gardeners, landscape designers and gardening enthusiasts of all experience levels for its spectacular flowering, which lasts from spring until mid-autumn, with a profusion of graceful, star- or butterfly-shaped flowers that create voluminous, colourful clusters with an elegant, striking overall effect.

Suitable for flowerbeds, borders, roundabouts, pots and planters, including in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants. Easy to grow and highly hardy, it withstands hot and temporarily dry conditions as well as cold weather.

Variety description

Gaura ‘Compact White’ is a perennial that flowers in flowerbeds in full sun for 5–6 months, from May/June to November. It has beautiful butterfly-shaped white flowers with pale pink hues, borne on a clump 50 cm high. It is, however, shorter and more floriferous than other Gaura varieties commonly found in gardens, which are much more vigorous but produce fewer flowers. It is therefore easy to grow both in a greenhouse and in the garden, withstanding both high and low temperatures well. It has low to moderate water requirements. It is ideally suited to mixed flowerbeds, including in rustic gardens.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the genus, Gaura, derives from the Greek gauros meaning majestic or superb in reference to the enchanting flowers while the specific epithet was given in honour of F. J. Lindheimer, a plant collector in 19th century Texas.

Origin and distribution

A plant species native to the United States, specifically Texas and Louisiana.

Leaf

Leaf has an elongated lamina.

Leaf colour

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.35 to 0.5 m, a height that is visually emphasised by the flower stalks.

Lifespan

It is a perennial plant that is either semi-evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climatic conditions in the area where it is grown.

Where to plant

Versatile in its use, it is ideal for adding a touch of colour and elegance to flowerbeds, terraces, outdoor planters, window boxes, large flowerbeds and roundabouts, as well as vertical walls, ensuring a highly ornamental effect even during the autumn months.

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a gamopetalous corolla. The petals are variegated with a solid colour. It forms medium-sized raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 160 and 190 days. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Acompact-growing variety, ideal for creating dense patches of colour.

Plant habit

The habit is erect with long, slender stems bearing inflorescences.

Branching

This variety developsabundant branching, resulting in a high density of leaves and inflorescences.

PH

For gaura, the ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, with optimal values ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for spring planting in a flowerbed, give the ground a light dig, removing any weeds, stones or large pebbles, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients needed during the plant’s early growth stages. Continue by breaking up the denser clods and creating a raised bed by gently mounding the soil to ensure proper drainage of excess water, which could lead to root rot.

Finally, add a layer of professional potting compost to the surface, approximately 5–10 cm deep, and level it carefully.

Sun exposure

To ensure the plant develops properly , place it in partial shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 18 °C during the growing season.

The biological temperature range is between 2 and 34 °C, which is quite a wide range; however, Gaura grows best and flowers most profusely in a temperate climate.

Use

Owing to the visual and landscape impact created by its blooms, it is widely appreciated as a herbaceous plant in:
Outdoor ornamental settings Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy variety, it adapts to soil and climate conditions that are not always tolerated by other ornamental species.

Soil

It prefers light, well-drained soil of medium texture or with a sandy tendency. For growing in pots and planters, we recommend a specialised potting mix for spring-flowering plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

It is considered an easy plant to grow and maintain with an overall low level of management effort required.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines to ensure optimal growth:
Expose the plant to as much light as possible Avoid overwatering

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create well-proportioned and balanced overall effects in flowerbeds – both in terms of form and colour – by combining Gaura with other ornamental plants such as Ageratum houstonianum, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis lanceolata, Lobularia maritima, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia farinacea and Zinnia marylandica.

When transplanting, ensure the correct planting density, taking into account the height reached and the growth habit of each species or variety, as well as the colour of the flowers, to achieve a highly decorative result.

Planting

When planting in a flowerbed, an average density of 12 plants per square metre is recommended to achieve a balanced final arrangement, allowing each individual plant to grow to its full potential.

It is also advisable to plant the specimen in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to compact the root ball excessively and watering immediately after planting, preferably in the morning, but without causing waterlogging.

Propagation

Propagation can be achieved by sowing seeds in spring or by dividing the clumps in spring or autumn.

Repotting

If the plant shows poor leaf and root development, repot it in a larger container with a suitable substrate.

Watering

Gaura has relatively low water requirements and is resistant to temporary drought; however, it is advisable to water it to meet the plant’s needs, particularly during the summer months.

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with a neutral pH, either by hand or via an irrigation system.

When transplanting, support the seedling to ensure it roots properly in its new location, keeping the soil consistently moist but without overwatering to prevent root rot. Subsequently, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilising

Before transplanting, apply a base dressing by working slow-release chemical or organic fertiliser into the soil.

Once the plant has settled in properly after transplanting, during the spring and summer months, apply a liquid fertiliser to the growing medium or soil, diluted in the watering water, taking care not to exceed the recommended dose or frequency. A fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants is recommended, with a balanced ratio of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with a higher proportion of the latter to encourage abundant, vibrantly coloured blooms.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

Once established in a flowerbed, it becomes even hardier than when grown in a planter, withstanding the intense heat of July and short periods of drought well. It is one of those perennials with a long flowering period that is not limited to just a few weeks, as with others, but lasts for at least four months, providing unrivalled colour in the garden at little cost, without the need to replace it every year.