Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow' (PBR) (G/v)
ABOUT
The 'Passionate Rainbow' variety of Gaura, commonly referred to by this name, is a visually captivating perennial plant known for its distinctive and vibrant features. This cultivar displays a vivid play of colors across its foliage and flowers, adding a touch of whimsical grace to any garden. The leaves of Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' present a striking variegation, with a mix of green tones accented by shades of pink and cream. The edges of the leaves may exhibit a gentle ruffling, contributing to the plant's textual appeal. As the season transitions, especially under the influence of cooler weather, the foliage can intensify in color, amplifying its visual impact. Emerging from the colorful foliage, tall, slim stalks rise to support a profusion of delicate flowers. These blooms are particularly eye-catching, donned in hues that can range from white to a soft pink. Each flower has four petals that form an airy and ethereal shape, resembling small butterflies fluttering on the breeze. Together, the variegated foliage and dancing blooms of Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' create a lively yet elegant display. This plant can easily become a focal point in a garden bed or mixed border due to its dynamic coloring and playful floral presentation. It is known not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its ability to add movement and texture to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, White Gaura, Pink Gaura, Wand Flower
Common names
Gaura lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow', Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow (PBR), Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Gaura, the common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that gaura poses a significant risk of poisoning when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individuals with specific allergies may experience reactions. It is always prudent for humans to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, to prevent any unlikely allergic or digestive issues.
To pets
Gaura, the common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow', is generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is limited information on the direct effects of gaura on pets, but it is not known to commonly cause poisoning in animals. As always, care should be taken to monitor pets around plants, because individual animals may have unique sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
18 inches (45 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces delicate, pink-tinged white flowers that add beauty to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for arid climates.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep beyond initial planting and occasional watering.
- Heat Resistance: Thrives in hot conditions, making it a good choice for warm regions.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a lengthy flowering period from early summer to fall.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, ideal for areas where deer are common.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in various soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' can be used to attract and sustain populations of beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies in the garden, which are essential for pollination.
- The plant's dense foliage can serve as a natural privacy screen in gardens, providing a lush barrier without the need for fences or artificial screens.
- Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' can be employed in cut flower arrangements, where its long stems and unique flowers can provide an exotic look and a touch of whimsy.
- This plant's dried seedpods can be used in dry floral arrangements or as part of craft projects for natural textural contrast.
- Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' is helpful for soil stabilization in areas prone to erosion due to its spreading root system that holds the soil in place.
- The variety of colors presented by 'Passionate Rainbow' make it an ideal subject for photography and botanical illustration, inspiring artists and photographers.
- Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' can be planted in urban environments to improve the aesthetic appeal of street verges and public spaces with minimal maintenance requirements.
- The plant is suitable for creating themed garden sections, such as a rainbow or pastel garden, due to its vibrant and varied hues.
- When used in sensory gardens, the light, airy motion of Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' flowers can provide a calming visual element to soothe the senses.
- Gaura 'Passionate Rainbow' is also used as a seasonal plant in containers and hanging baskets for balconies and patios, providing a splash of color throughout the growing season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Gaura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Gaura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope and Expectation: Also known as Gaura, Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow' is often associated with hope due to its resilient nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions, representing an expectation for better times.
- Love and Admiration: With 'Passionate' in its name, this Gaura cultivar symbolizes strong emotions and can express love and admiration, suited for romantic gestures.
- Peace and Calm: The gentle sway of Gaura blooms in the breeze is thought to bring peace and calm to a space, symbolizing serenity.
- Beauty and Charm: The delicate flowers and attractive foliage of the Gaura plant signify beauty and charm, celebrating the grace of nature.
- Eternal Beauty: As a perennial plant, Gaura's recurring blooms represent the concept of lasting beauty or eternal life.
WaterGaura 'Passionate Rainbow' prefers regular watering, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering. Water the plants deeply and directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. In the absence of rainfall, a general guideline is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During the hot summer months, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler temperatures or rainy seasons, watering frequency should be reduced.
LightGaura 'Passionate Rainbow' thrives best in full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for planting would be in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. Avoid placing the plant in deep shade or heavily filtered light, as this will reduce the plant's vigor and flowering potential.
TemperatureGaura 'Passionate Rainbow' can handle a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the climate is between 60°F and 90°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 10°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. It is important to plant it in a location where temperatures do not frequently drop below this range to prevent damage to the plant.
PruningGaura 'Passionate Rainbow' benefits from pruning to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Prune in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming throughout the season. The best time for major pruning is after the last frost in spring, but lighter pruning can be done as needed to maintain shape and vigour.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura, commonly known as Whirling Butterflies, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with loam or sandy composition, allowing roots to grow without waterlogging. The ideal pH range for Gaura is slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix with added organic matter such as compost will help provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingWhirling Butterflies typically does not require frequent repotting as it's usually grown as a perennial outdoor plant. It can remain in the same spot for several years. If grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingWhirling Butterflies is relatively tolerant of a variety of humidity conditions and will usually do well in average outdoor humidity levels. Consistent with its drought tolerance, this plant does not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow', commonly known as Gaura, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and establishes a root system, while developing its first leaves to photosynthesize. As it matures into a vegetative state during the growing season, it forms a strong stem and a rosette of foliage, which may feature variegated leaves due to its 'Passionate Rainbow' cultivar traits. In late spring to summer, the plant enters its reproductive phase, producing tall stalks with numerous delicate pink or white flowers that attract pollinators, facilitating cross-pollination. After flowering, Gaura sets seed, which is then dispersed by wind or gravity in late summer or fall. The plant may die back at this stage if it is an annual variety, or it can overwinter through a period of dormancy if it is perennial, resuming growth with the return of favorable conditions in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Passionate Rainbow', commonly known as the Gaura, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch section just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to promote root growth. Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
