Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red = 'Florgaured' (G)
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ABOUT
Commonly known as Gaura, Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red = 'Florgaured' (G) is a visually striking plant with a bushy and airy habit. This particular variety showcases a profusion of eye-catching, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms exhibit a deep red or pink hue, adding a bold splash of color to any garden setting. The long, slender stems give the plant a delicate and graceful appearance, as if the flowers are dancing atop thin wands that sway gently with the breeze. The foliage of the Gaudi Red Gaura is a complementary green, which may exhibit reddish tones, forming a fitting backdrop that accentuates the striking flowers. Blooming from early summer to fall, this variety tends to flower profusely, ensuring a long-lasting display of vibrant color. Even when not in bloom, the plant's mounded foliage provides a lush and full appearance, contributing textured greenery to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
Gaudi Red Evening Primrose, Gaudi Red Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom Gaudi Red, Gaudi Red Wand Flower, Gaudi Red Whirling Butterflies
Common names
Oenothera speciosa Nutt. Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & A. Gray
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red = 'Florgaured' (G) is Gaura. Gaura is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are generally no symptoms associated with poisoning, as it is not considered poisonous. Consequently, ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to lead to any detrimental health consequences. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants not meant for consumption.
To pets
The common name for Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red = 'Florgaured' (G) is Gaura. Gaura is not known to be toxic to pets. Therefore, pets that ingest this plant are not expected to exhibit symptoms of poisoning, since it is not considered a poisonous plant. Thus, the ingestion of this plant's parts is not typically associated with any adverse health consequences for pets. Nonetheless, it is always best to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating non-food plants as a general safety measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 Gaudi Red is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination and the health of your garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant has excellent drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
- Long blooming period: With a long flowering season, it adds color to your garden for an extended period of time.
- Deer resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, which helps prevent damage to your garden.
- Landscape versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as a focal point in a sun garden.
- Heat tolerance: It can withstand high temperatures, making it a good choice for hot climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Butterfly Garden Attraction: Oenothera lindheimeri is known to attract butterflies and beneficial insects, making it an ideal plant for butterfly gardens or pollinator-friendly landscapes.
- Dye Production: The roots and flowers can sometimes be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or craft projects.
- Educational Tool: The plant's developmental stages can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth cycles and pollination.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common usage, the delicate flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts.
- Photography Subject: Because of its vibrant color and elegant form, Oenothera lindheimeri is a popular subject for nature photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Garden Design: Because of its striking color, the plant can be used in garden design to create focal points or to add height and texture to flower beds.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion in sloped gardens or areas prone to soil loss.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use the plant as inspiration or incorporate it into botanical illustrations and paintings.
- Lightscape Enhancement: The flowers can reflect light in the evening, making them a good choice for moon gardens or landscapes that are enjoyed at dusk.
- Theme Gardens: Oenothera lindheimeri can be included in specialty gardens, such as 'red-themed' or 'drought-tolerant' gardens, due to its specific coloring and low water requirements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gaura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gaura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red, commonly known as Gaura, typically symbolizes resilience due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
- Peace: The delicate flowers of the Gaura plant give a sense of serenity and calm, often representing peace and tranquility in a symbolic context.
- Innocence: The pure white and sometimes pinkish flowers of Gaura are reminiscent of innocence and purity, a common theme in floral symbolism.
- Freedom: Gaura's long stems that sway freely in the wind are suggestive of freedom and the spirit of independence, which can be related to the plant's open, unrestricted growth habit.
WaterGaura, commonly known as Wand Flower, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. It's important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage and to ensure the water penetrates to the deep roots. During hot or dry spells, increasing watering frequency to twice a week may be necessary. Cut back on watering during cooler months or if rain is frequent, as Gaura is drought-tolerant and excessive water can lead to root rot.
LightWand Flower flourishes best in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Position the plant in a south-facing garden or area where it will receive ample sunshine throughout the day. Though it can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest regions, full sun exposure will promote the most robust growth and best floral display.
TemperatureWand Flower thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F, which are typically encountered in its growing season. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 10°F but no lower, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. Always ensure the plant is established before its first winter to help it survive low temperatures.
PruningWand Flower requires pruning mainly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in early spring by cutting back the previous year's growth by about one-third to one-half. After the plant flowers, deadheading or removing spent blooms can promote a second blooming. Pruning can be done again in late autumn if necessary, to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura, commonly known as Lindheimer's Beeblossom, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix containing loam, sand, and compost with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Ample organic matter will provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
RepottingLindheimer's Beeblossom typically does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingLindheimer's Beeblossom is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red, commonly known as Gaura, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring under favourable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling stage is characterized by the appearance of two cotyledon leaves, which are followed by the true leaves as the plant continues to grow. The vegetative stage involves the formation of a rosette of leaves and a sturdy stem, during which the plant undergoes significant growth and prepares for flowering. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage where spike-like inflorescences bearing red to pink flowers bloom from late spring through to autumn, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the fertilized flowers produce seed capsules containing seeds that will disperse, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant is perennial, and after the flowering period, it may die back to the ground in colder climates or remain semi-evergreen in milder regions, ready to regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating Gaura, specifically Oenothera lindheimeri Gaudi Red 'Florgaured', is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant has fresh, new growth that is not yet hardened. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) stem piece just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage growth. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist but not waterlogged. Ideal conditions include bright, indirect light and a temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimated to more direct sunlight and less frequent watering.
