Make a Garden
Gaura, (or Oenothera), are deciduous perennials, great for cottage garden designs and informal flowing garden designs. Often called wandflowers or whirling butterflies, these plants boast a laid-back growth pattern and bear dainty, starry flowers in shades of white or pink, blooming from early summer until autumn. Their versatility makes them great to fill empty spaces, and they can even thrive in containers when combined with grasses and trailing plants.
For a successful Gaura seed germination, gently press down the compost to create a firm surface. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2mm and cover them with a thin layer of sieved soil or vermiculite. Lightly water the seeds. To foster optimal growth, keep them in a warm place (18 to 24°C); using a propagator with bottom heat will give you the best results.
Give the seed bed a warm bottom to help germination.
Position: Gaura prefers to be in full direct sunlight. Watering: Keep Gaura well watered, but do not leave it in a soggy soil bed. Feeding: Little feeding is needed, Gaura prefers low-nutrient, free-draining soil.
Divide congested clumps in spring, but don't move mature plants as they don't transition very well.
After their initial wave of blooms finishes in early to mid-summer, shear Gaura's flower stems.
Prepare Gaura for winter by pruning in late autumn, cutting to 10 cm high using secateurs.
Gaura has few insect or disease problems. Aphids can be a problem, spray them with a fairy liquid solution or introduce ladybirds. Root rot may be an issue in heavy, poorly drained soils. White-lined sphinx caterpillar on Gaura. Leaf spots, rust and mildews occasionally affect plants.
