John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s
Wildflower Spot – August 2007
WANDFLOWER
GAURA
spp.
These long-blooming
plants (May-October) create an airy effect in the garden.
White or pink flowers are borne on slender, wiry stems that move
easily with breezes. The four petals are bent backwards,
and the stamens and pistil bend downwards in front; the
cross-shaped stigma is typical of this family of
Evening-primroses. Only a few flowers are open on the
stalks at one time, resulting in a delicate appearance.
Lance-shaped leaves are sparse, and develop closer to the base.
Gaura does well in hot,
dry climates; with a long taproot, the plant can withstand
drought. A great perennial that grows in an airy, bushy clump
about four feet tall with a three-foot spread, it does well in
containers, informal borders, or wildflower gardens.
Preferring full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, and will
grow in poor soils, although moist, well-drained soil is better
for good growth.
The generic name “Gaura”
comes from the Greek word gauros, meaning “proud”,
referring to the charming flowers. Gaura biennis is
native to southeastern Virginia and the piedmont and mountain
areas as well. Gaura lindheimeri, usually
found in nurseries, is native to Louisiana, Texas and Mexico.
Many cultivars can be found with names like “Whirling
Butterflies”, “White Fountain”, and “Blushing Butterflies”, with
soft pink flowers over compact green foliage.
By Helen Hamilton, president of the John Clayton chapter of the
Virginia Native Plant Society
