Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
Graceful wands of white and pink butterfly-like flowers dance above the foliage from summer through fall.
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and reliable in the low desert; root-hardy through frost, semi-evergreen in warm winters, and long-blooming in low to mid elevations.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water perennial that delivers months of delicate bloom on a deep, drought-tapping taproot.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks in summer once its deep taproot is established; it is quite drought tolerant and dislikes soggy soil.
Shear the airy flowering wands back by a third to half after the first flush to spark repeat bloom; cut the whole plant back hard in late winter to renew it.
Minimal — too much fertilizer produces lax, floppy growth; lean soil keeps the wands upright.
Generally trouble-free; can suffer root rot in heavy, wet clay, so ensure good drainage.
Semi-evergreen in mild winters and cut to the ground in cold snaps; reseeds gently and blooms from late spring into fall.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, well-drained sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor and rocky ground; dislikes heavy, wet clay.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Seed or division; self-sows gently. The deep taproot makes division and transplanting difficult once established.
2–3 ft
Deep taproot resents disturbance and transplanting; reseeds modestly but is not invasive.
Placement Tips
- •Use its see-through, airy texture to soften the middle of a mixed border or float above lower plants.
- •Plant in loose groups of 3-5 so the flowering wands create a shimmering, moving haze.
- •Let it self-sow among firmer plants that support its lax stems.
- •Best in full sun with good drainage; tolerates heat but not standing water.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Gaura? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Gaura. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Gaura — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Gaura need in Phoenix?
Gaura is a low-water perennial once established. Water every 1-2 weeks in summer once its deep taproot is established; it is quite drought tolerant and dislikes soggy soil. A low-water perennial that delivers months of delicate bloom on a deep, drought-tapping taproot.
How big does Gaura get?
Expect roughly 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 2–3 ft of spacing when planting. Deep taproot resents disturbance and transplanting; reseeds modestly but is not invasive.
Can you plant Gaura near a pool?
Yes. Gaura is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Gaura handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Gaura is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and reliable in the low desert; root-hardy through frost, semi-evergreen in warm winters, and long-blooming in low to mid elevations. Semi-evergreen in mild winters and cut to the ground in cold snaps; reseeds gently and blooms from late spring into fall.
Does Gaura have thorns?
No. Gaura is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Gaura safe around pets?
Gaura is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Gaura bloom in Arizona?
Gaura blooms in summer-fall, with white/pink flowers. The bloom draws bees, butterflies.
How much maintenance does Gaura need?
Gaura is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear the airy flowering wands back by a third to half after the first flush to spark repeat bloom; cut the whole plant back hard in late winter to renew it.
What kind of soil does Gaura need?
Lean, well-drained sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor and rocky ground; dislikes heavy, wet clay. Nutrient needs are low. Minimal — too much fertilizer produces lax, floppy growth; lean soil keeps the wands upright.
Is Gaura native to Arizona?
No. Gaura is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Louisiana, East Texas, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.