Culture
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.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaura lindheimeri, commonly called gaura, is a herbaceous clump-forming perennial that is native to Texas and Louisiana. It grows to as much as 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.
The genus name Gaura comes from the Greek gauros meaning "superb" in reference to the beautiful flowers.
Specific epithet honors Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879), Texas plant collector.
'Summer Breeze' was produced from a plant selected by Christian Kress of Sarastro Nursery of Austria and was introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds of Germany in 2008. It is considered to be sturdier and have more cold hardiness than other gauras. It is a long blooming and floriferous perennial with pink buds that open into white flowers with long stamens. ‘Summer Breeze’ grows 3 to 4 ft. tall and 2 to 3 ft. wide.
Problems
Root rot may occur in heavy and/or poorly drained soils. Rust and powdery mildew may also occur. Watch for aphids, whitefly and flea beetles.
Uses
Best in wildflower or native plant gardens where they can be allowed to sprawl and naturalize.