New Moon Nurseries

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Gaura lindheimeri is a herbaceous clump-forming perennial.  Native to Texas and Louisiana, it  may grow up to 5' tall on stems clad with spoon-shaped to lanceolate leaves (to 3" long). Pinkish buds along wiry, erect, wand-like stems open to white flowers which slowly fade to pink. Flowers appear in long, open, terminal panicles and open only a few at a time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stemless leaves (1-3" long) are occasionally spotted with maroon and should not be confused with disease or insect issues.

Genus name comes from the Greek gauros meaning superb in reference to the beautiful flowers.

Specific epithet honors Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879), Texas plant collector.

Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Good drainage is essential. A taprooted plant which tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. Remove spent flower spikes to prolong bloom period. Thin flower stems tend to become leggy and flop, particularly when grown in rich soils, and plants can benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennials. Plants (particularly those which typically grow tall) may be cut back in late spring by 1/2 to control size. May self-seed if spent flower stems are left in place in the fall.

Hardy in zones 5 to 9