What hardiness zones is Gaura suitable for?

Gaura is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

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Perennials

Gaura

Wand Flower

Onagraceae

Texas and Louisiana; open prairies, roadsides, and disturbed ground on hot, dry, calcareous soils

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height2–4 feet (60–120 cm)

Width2–3 feet (60–90 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming, airy perennial reaching 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide, producing wiry, branching stems tipped with small, four-petaled flowers in white to pale pink from late spring through fall. Flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, each lasting one day but produced continuously in great numbers as buds open progressively along the wand-like stems — giving the effect of hovering butterflies. Leaves lance-shaped, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, sometimes marked with red or burgundy. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and long-blooming once established. Now reclassified as Oenothera lindheimeri by most botanical authorities, though Gaura remains the common horticultural name. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9.

Native Range

Gaura lindheimeri (Oenothera lindheimeri) is native to Texas and Louisiana in the south-central United States, growing in open prairies, roadsides, and disturbed ground adapted to hot, dry, calcareous soils. It is the primary species in cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Planted in sunny, dry borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, and prairie or meadow gardens at 24–36 inch (60–90 cm) spacing. The airy butterfly-like flowers and exceptional drought tolerance make it one of the best long-blooming perennials for dry, well-drained Pacific Northwest sites. Effective as a border filler or mixed with ornamental grasses, salvias, and sedums in low-water plantings.

How to Identify

Identified by the upright to arching wiry stems bearing small four-petaled flowers approximately 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across in white to pale pink, opening progressively up the stem through the season — giving the impression of hovering butterflies. Lance-shaped leaves sometimes red-tinged. Basal rosette with upright flowering stems. Distinguished from ornamental grasses by the branching wand-like flower stems and from other prairie perennials by the characteristic four-petaled flower form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

red

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~22 weeks

SpringSummerFall

Blooms late May through October in Pacific Northwest lowlands with near-continuous flower production. Individual flowers last one day; buds open progressively along each wand-like stem over several weeks. White-flowered cultivars show good contrast throughout; pink-flowered cultivars deepen in color with cooler fall temperatures.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Four-petaled, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, white to pale pink; pink-flowered cultivars deepen in color in cool fall temperatures

Foliage Description

Lance-shaped, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, mid-green; some cultivars marked with red or burgundy spotting

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil — excellent drainage is essential; will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Space 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established; may struggle in heavy clay or consistently moist Pacific Northwest soils unless drainage is amended. Cut back by one-half to two-thirds in late spring to encourage compact growth. Self-sows in favorable conditions — deadhead if unwanted seedlings are a concern.

Pruning

Cut back by one-half to two-thirds in late spring (May) before the plant reaches full height to encourage a more compact, self-supporting habit. Cut to the ground in late fall after frost kills the stems. Division every 3–4 years in spring maintains vigor.

Pruning Schedule

late springfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic