White Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove' (G)
ABOUT
White Gaura, specifically the 'White Dove' cultivar, is a delicate and elegant flowering perennial. It features slender stems that bear a profusion of dainty white flowers. Each blossom has four petals that are often tinged with a hint of pink as they unfurl, though the mature flowers are a crisp white. These petals are arrayed in a cross shape, lending a light, airy texture to the overall appearance. The stamens are prominent and gracefully extend beyond the petals. The leaves of the White Gaura are narrow and lance-shaped, with a slightly wavy or jagged edge, giving the foliage a soft, frothy appearance. They are typically green, sometimes with a hint of red or maroon, especially along the prominent central vein. The foliage forms at the base of the plant and also alternates up the flowering stems. As the seasons progress, the 'White Dove' continues to produce new blooms on the top of its stems, while the lower flowers on those stems fade and set seed. This continuous blooming pattern is one of the reasons why it is favored in gardens. The fluttery effect of its flowers, which can resemble butterflies, adds movement and a delicate beauty to any planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
White Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, White Dove Gaura, Wand Flower
Common names
Oenothera lindheimeri, Gaura lindheimeri.
ToxicityTo humans
Gaura is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Gaura, or Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove', has any toxic components that would lead to poisoning if any part of the plant is ingested.
To pets
Gaura is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is typically safe for dogs and cats, and there are no widespread reports of poisoning in pets after ingesting this plant. Therefore, there should not be any symptoms of poisoning or serious consequences related to the ingestion of Gaura by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds which can help pollinate your garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant has low water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Visual Appeal: With its delicate white flowers, it adds an element of grace and beauty to any garden space.
- Long Blooming: 'White Dove' flowers for a long period, from early summer until frost, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
- Low Maintenance: The plant requires minimal care once it is established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Heat Tolerance: It can thrive in hot temperatures, which is particularly advantageous in warm climates.
- Soil Adaptability: Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove' can adapt to a range of 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 'White Dove' can be used in art and crafts projects for its elegant and delicate flowers, adding beauty to handmade cards, bookmarks, or scrapbooks.
- The fibrous stems can be used in weaving or as a natural binding material in rustic crafts and decorations.
- This plant's striking white blooms can be used in photography as a natural backdrop or for creating contrast in portrait and macro photography.
- Gaura 'White Dove' is sometimes used as a living decoration in fish ponds or water features, not as an aquatic plant but placed in the surrounding areas for visual appeal.
- The dried seed pods can be collected and used as natural rattles or added to percussion instruments for a soft, earthy sound.
- It can be planted as a distraction or decoy plant near vegetables to lure pests away due to its attractiveness.
- If grown in large numbers, Gaura 'White Dove' can serve as a natural border or hedge with its dense foliage and tall structure.
- Its white flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding soft, muted colors.
- Cut flowers of Gaura 'White Dove' can be used in ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, as they add an element of grace and height.
- The flowers and stems, once dried, can be employed as a natural filler for lightweight, eco-friendly packing material.
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- Purity: The 'White Dove' cultivar of Gaura, commonly known as Gaura, features white blooms that traditionally symbolize purity and innocence.
- Peace: Similar to the white dove bird which is a universal symbol of peace, the 'White Dove' Gaura with its delicate white flowers can also represent peace and tranquility in a garden setting.
- Resilience: Gauras are known for their ability to withstand hot and dry conditions, thus the 'White Dove' variety can symbolize survival and adaptability.
- New Beginnings: The prolific blooming nature of 'White Dove' Gaura signifies the start of new phases, making it a suitable plant to symbolize new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Ethereal Beauty: The light, airy flowers of the 'White Dove' Gaura can represent an otherworldly or delicate beauty, evoking a sense of gracefulness and charm.
WaterWhite Gaura (a common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove') prefers moderate watering. Generally, the plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once a week. It is better to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, providing about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant each watering session during growing seasons. Less watering is necessary during winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightWhite Gaura thrives best in full sun conditions; it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. The ideal spot would be in a garden area that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day to ensure abundant flowering and healthy growth. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to leggy plants and reduced blooming.
TemperatureWhite Gaura is adapted to a wide range of temperatures but prefers a warmer climate. It can usually withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, where it will grow most vigorously.
PruningWhite Gaura can be pruned to maintain a tidy appearance and promote bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooming. Prune back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, which can be done annually. Removing about one-third of the plant's height is usually sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura lindheimeri 'White Dove' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and requires a soil pH of 5.8 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a handful of perlite or sand will ensure adequate drainage and support healthy growth.
RepottingGaura lindheimeri 'White Dove' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years as needed to refresh the soil or accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingGaura lindheimeri 'White Dove' is quite tolerant of varying humidity levels and will do well in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Gaura 'White Dove' near bright window; well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun location; protect from strong winds; well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove', commonly known as White Gaura, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, given adequate moisture and temperatures. The seedlings develop into a rosette of foliage from which a tall, slender stem emerges, sporting lance-shaped leaves. Throughout late spring and summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing white butterfly-like flowers that bloom a few at a time along the stems, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant develops small, dry fruits containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. As the growing season ends in fall, White Gaura may die back, especially in colder climates, entering a period of dormancy. It either regrows from the root system in milder climates the following spring or relies on the fallen seeds to propagate the next generation of plants if winter temperatures are too harsh for its roots to survive.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Oenothera lindheimeri 'White Dove', commonly known as White Gaura, is typically propagated by seed or by division in the spring. The most popular method is division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections with roots attached. This is ideally done in early spring as the new growth appears. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp, clean knife or spade to cut into the root ball, ensuring each division has several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously and water them well. The divisions should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. This is a simple and effective way to create new plants that will mature and flower quickly.
