White Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White' (G)
ABOUT
The 'Sparkle White' Gaura, commonly known as the white gaura, is a flowering perennial plant known for its graceful and airy appearance. It boasts a profusion of delicate white flowers that have a slightly ruffled texture and a sparkling quality, as indicated by its name. Each bloom consists of four petals that create a star-like shape. The blossoms are borne on slender stems, which arise from a base of green foliage. The leaves are typically lance-shaped and offer a fresh green backdrop that further accentuates the whiteness of the flowers. The white gaura has an elegant and floaty presence, often compared to butterflies flitting in the breeze, due to the flowers swaying gently atop the thin stems. The plant's blooming period extends through multiple seasons, offering a long-lasting display of its twinkling white flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae
Synonyms
White Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, White Sparkle Gaura, Wand Flower
Common names
Oenothera speciosa Nutt., Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & A.Gray, Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. ex A.Gray, Liatris lindheimeri (Engelm. & A.Gray) Kuntze.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White' is Gaura. Gaura is generally considered non-toxic to humans and does not typically cause poisoning or adverse effects when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions can occur, although these are not common. If someone were to ingest Gaura and experience an unexpected reaction, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Gaura is not known to be toxic to pets either. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if a pet, such as a cat or dog, ingests parts of the plant. As with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and if any adverse reactions are observed after ingestion, contacting a veterinarian would be the appropriate course of action.
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
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Oenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Drought tolerance: This plant is highly drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Heat resistance: It can thrive in high temperatures, making it a good choice for warm climates.
- Long blooming season: Oenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White' has a lengthy flowering period, offering visual interest throughout much of the year.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with no need for frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Deer resistance: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, which can help to prevent damage in areas where deer browsing is an issue.
- Easy propagation: It can be easily propagated by seed or division, ensuring that gardeners can expand their planting without significant expense.
- Landscape versatility: The plant can be used in various landscape settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover.
- Soil adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaura 'Sparkle White' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a soft and subtle color derived from its petals.
- In photography, the delicate flowers of Gaura 'Sparkle White' can serve as a graceful subject for macro photography and botanical art.
- Gaura 'Sparkle White' can be planted in outdoor containers where other plants struggle to grow due to its tolerance of drought and poor soil conditions.
- The long stems of Gaura 'Sparkle White' make it ideal for use in floral arrangements, adding height and airiness to bouquets.
- Gaura 'Sparkle White' can be used in sensory gardens due to its delicate blossoms and the movement they provide, which can be soothing to observe.
- This plant can serve as a living mulch, its dense foliage helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Gaura 'Sparkle White' is often used in butterfly gardens, its nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
- The subtle and relaxing swaying motion of Gaura 'Sparkle White' in the breeze can be utilized in creating calming garden spaces aimed at promoting relaxation and stress relief.
- As an educational tool, Gaura 'Sparkle White' can be used in schools and community gardens to teach about pollination and the life cycle of plants.
- Gaura 'Sparkle White's' ability to thrive in tough conditions makes it a candidate for use in urban landscaping, contributing to the greening of harsh urban environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gaura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gaura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fragility: The delicate structure of the 'Sparkle White' blooms of Gaura, commonly referred to by this name, often symbolizes the fragility and ephemeral nature of life.
- Purity: The pristine white flowers can represent purity and innocence, much like many other white-flowered plants.
- Peace: With its soft, gentle appearance, Gaura may stand for peace and calmness in the surrounding environment.
- Resilience: Despite its delicate appearance, Gaura is a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions, symbolizing resilience and perseverance.
- Whimsy: The way the flowers seem to flutter in the breeze can evoke a sense of whimsy and playfulness.
- Adaptability: Gaura's ability to thrive in various soil types and environmental conditions may represent adaptability and flexibility in life.
WaterThe White Gaura should be watered deeply and allowed to dry out between waterings. Generally, watering once a week with about one to two gallons of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. It's important to avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers a drier soil environment. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to prevent stress. Taper off watering as temperatures drop in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightGaura, commonly known as White Gaura, thrives in full sun conditions, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It performs best when planted in a spot that is exposed to the bright, unfiltered light for the majority of the day. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much shade can lead to poor blooming and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureWhite Gaura is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from 60°F to 90°F. It is able to survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F, but freezing conditions can damage or kill the plant. Ideal growing conditions for White Gaura fall within the warmer end of the spectrum; consistently warm temperatures will promote better growth and flowering.
PruningWhite Gaura benefits from pruning to stimulate new growth and improve airflow. Pruning should be done in the spring, cutting back the plant by one-third to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged stems. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. A more thorough cutback can be done after the flowering season to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite Gaura thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally between 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, coarse sand, and peat or compost will provide the right structure and fertility. Mulching with organic matter can also help retain moisture and provide necessary nutrients.
RepottingWhite Gaura typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a hardy plant that can thrive in the same spot for several years. It is often best to repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container or every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingWhite Gaura is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. It will do well in average outdoor humidity conditions typical of its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White Gaura in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White', commonly known as White Gaura, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Once germinated, the plant develops a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface and begins to establish a root system. As it matures, the rosette grows into an upright, clump-forming perennial with long, slender stems that can reach up to 2 to 4 feet tall. White Gaura then enters the flowering stage, producing numerous delicate white flowers that bloom from early summer into fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlets that contain the seeds, completing the reproductive phase. The plant then starts to senesce in late autumn, with growth slowing down and above-ground parts dying back, while the roots remain alive to regenerate the next spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Oenothera lindheimeri 'Sparkle White', commonly known as White Gaura, is by cuttings. This is often done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a 3 to 6-inch (about 7.5 to 15 centimeters) cutting from a healthy stem, strip the lower leaves, and possibly dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out into the garden.
