Overview
Gaura lindheimeri is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Gaura, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gaura lindheimeri grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and cottage gardens. It is native to Texas, Louisiana and USA.
About
Gaura lindheimeri is a perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry to medium soils. It originates from Texas and Louisiana in the USA and belongs to the Onagraceae family and genus Gaura. Use it in borders, wildflower gardens or cottage gardens where a sun-exposed, free-draining site is available.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oenothera lindheimeri
About the genus
Oenothera is a genus of about 160 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. The genus includes common evening primrose, sundrops and gaura.
In the garden
Gaura lindheimeri is a perennial native to Texas and Louisiana and is placed in the Onagraceae family under the genus Gaura. Often sold under common names such as Lindheimer's beeblossom, white gaura and pink gaura, it suits sunny, open sites that mirror aspects of its native range. Plant it in a position that receives full sun and in a soil that drains freely; the species prefers dry to medium soil moisture and will not tolerate poorly drained, waterlogged ground. Where soils are heavy, improve drainage or plant on a raised bed or gentle terrace to provide the free-draining conditions it requires. Grouping plants with similar moisture and light needs reduces competition and keeps maintenance straightforward. In a UK garden, place Gaura lindheimeri at the front or middle of mixed borders, in wildlife-leaning wildflower areas or within a cottage-style scheme where a sunny aspect can be guaranteed. Its suitability to well-drained, sunlit spots makes it a practical choice for banks, gravelly patches and sunny edges, and its array of common names reflects its long use in garden planting under the botanical name Gaura lindheimeri.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaura
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaura lindheimeri size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, wildflower gardens, cottage gardens
- Native to
- Texas, Louisiana, USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaura lindheimeri
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gaura lindheimeri?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Gaura lindheimeri?
Gaura lindheimeri prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaura lindheimeri need?
Gaura lindheimeri grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Gaura lindheimeri?
Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Gaura lindheimeri hardy in the UK?
Gaura lindheimeri has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gaura lindheimeri?
Seed, division.
