Pink Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink' (G)
ABOUT
Siskiyou Pink is a lovely perennial plant known for its delicate yet showy appearance. The plant stands out with its robust, upright stems that carry a bountiful display of pretty pink flowers. These flowers are bowl-shaped with four broad petals, giving them a slightly cupped appearance and creating a soft, romantic look. The petals have a gentle ruffling, which adds texture and depth to the flower, enhancing its overall appeal. The pink hue of the blossoms is a clear, bright shade that can add a dash of color to any garden. Each flower is punctuated at the center with a contrasting yellow stamen, offering a pretty focal point and attracting pollinators. Below the attractive flowers, the foliage forms a matte of narrow leaves. The leaves are slender and lance-shaped, with a light green color that creates a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant pink blooms. The foliage tends to be dense, providing a lush underpinning for the floral display above. This attractive combination of blushing flowers and verdant foliage makes Siskiyou Pink a beloved choice for garden enthusiasts looking to add a pop of color and charm to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, White Gaura, Pink Gaura, Butterfly Gaura, Wand Flower
Common names
Gaura lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Gaura, the common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, it is unlikely that eating any part of the Gaura plant would result in toxic symptoms or consequences for humans.
To pets
Gaura, the common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink', is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is typically not listed among plants that pose a risk of poisoning to pets. Consequently, ingestion of this plant is not expected to cause toxic symptoms or adverse health consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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 'Siskiyou Pink' is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, essential for pollinating gardens and supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety of evening primrose is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a good option for gardeners seeking hardy, low-maintenance plants.
- Long Blooming Season: With a lengthy blooming period from early summer to fall, it offers lasting visual interest in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: The 'Siskiyou Pink' is generally resistant to deer, reducing the risk of damage and the need for protective measures.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of landscape applications, such as in borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover.
- Colorful Foliage: In addition to its pink flowers, the bluish-green foliage adds color variety and texture contrast to the garden palette.
- Fast Growth: Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink' grows relatively quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and filling in the garden space.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils, adding to its versatility as a garden plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant dye: The flowers of Gaura can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns or paper, creating a range of pink shades depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Gaura's delicate and distinctive flowers are popular subjects in botanical photography and can be used for artistic purposes or in educational materials about native plants.
- Butterfly gardens: Planting Gaura attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thereby supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity in gardens.
- Craft projects: Dried stems and flowers of Gaura can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, and other decorative crafts to add a touch of natural beauty.
- Landscape design theme: Gaura can be used in xeriscaping designs, which aim to create visually appealing landscapes with minimal water requirements.
- Erosion control: Due to its clumping nature and root system, Gaura can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas susceptible to water runoff.
- Education: Gaura serves as a plant specimen in botanical studies and educational programs focused on native plant gardening and conservation.
- Culinary decoration: While not widely known for their flavor, Gaura flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Seasonal festivals and events: Gaura can be featured in garden shows and spring festivals to showcase its vibrant colors and form.
- Ecological studies: The plant can serve as an indicator species in ecological research, helping scientists study changes in the environment or the impact of climate change on native flora.
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 and Survival: The Gaura is known for its ability to survive in tough conditions, symbolizing strength and the ability to cope in challenging situations.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its pretty pink blooms, it represents beauty and the ability to attract goodness into one's life.
- Innocence and Purity: The delicate flowers of the Gaura can symbolize innocence and purity, possibly due to their gentle appearance and light, airy arrangement on the stem.
- Femininity and Grace: The Gaura is often associated with femininity, its graceful stems and dancing flowers reflecting elegance and poise.
WaterGaura, also known as Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink', prefers well-drained soil and should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth. Initial watering should be more frequent to establish the plant, about twice a week. Once established, Gaura is drought-tolerant and should be watered once every week or two, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the root zone, which can typically be achieved with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. During extreme heat or extended dry periods, additional water may be needed to maintain plant health.
LightGaura thrives in full sunlight and should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some light shade, particularly in the hottest parts of the day or in very hot climates, optimal growth and flowering occur in full sun conditions.
TemperatureGaura is a hardy plant that can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but prefers a temperate climate with ideal growth temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. It can handle occasional temperature spikes above this range but maintaining consistent temperatures within the ideal range will promote healthy development.
PruningPrune Gaura in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning encourages bushier growth and more blooms during the flowering season. Deadheading, the process of removing spent flowers, can be done regularly throughout the blooming period to encourage continued flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura Siskiyou Pink prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7. A mix of loamy or sandy soil amended with organic matter like compost or peat moss will encourage healthy growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so incorporating perlite or coarse sand into the mixture will help achieve the ideal soil condition for this plant.
RepottingGaura Siskiyou Pink typically does not require frequent repotting and can often thrive in the same pot for several years. It is a perennial plant that is best undisturbed unless the pot is overcrowded or the soil needs to be refreshed. Generally, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingGaura Siskiyou Pink is quite adaptable and tolerant of a range of humidity levels. It grows well in average outdoor conditions, so specific humidity control is usually unnecessary. This plant is not particularly humidity-sensitive and will thrive in the normal humidity levels found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGaura 'Siskiyou Pink' begins its life as a seed that, once sown, germinates in warm spring soil. After germination, the seedling stage involves the development of a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it forms a larger clump of foliage and elongated stems, which can reach up to 2-4 feet tall. During the flowering stage, typically from late spring to autumn, it produces a profusion of pink, butterfly-like flowers on tall, airy spikes that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant enters the fruiting stage, where it develops small pod-like fruits containing seeds for the next generation. Finally, in late autumn or with the onset of frost, Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink' may die back to the ground, especially in colder climates, completing its life cycle; however, it may behave as a woody perennial in warmer regions, where it s regrowth from the base the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Gaura, commonly known as Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink', is most popularly propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring into early summer. To propagate, a gardener should select healthy, non-flowering stems to cut segments approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The stem is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage growth and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots develop, typically within a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be potted up individually and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting out.
