Perennials – Gaura

• Gaura

Botanical name: gaura lindheimeri 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 2 – 6 ft in height and about a 4 – 12 in spread

Bloom time:  summer/fall

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Flower color: white/pink

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: reaches maturity in 3 – 5 weeks

Pruning instructions: prune in the late fall 

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great texture contrast in mixed garden

Light needs: 8 hours of light a day

Special features: long blooming period

Watering instructions:  keep soil moist during periods of drought

Fertilizing instructions : use 10-10-10 in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: sand or loam 

Companion plants: russian sage, verbena, roses

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no