White Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze' (G)
ABOUT
The Summer Breeze variety of the plant commonly known as Gaura or Wand Flower is a highly appealing perennial that is sure to add interest to any garden setting. This delightful plant features long, slender stems that seem to float above the foliage, creating a whimsical, airy effect. Delicate flowering spikes arise from the clump of the plant, lending an elegant and fine-textured appearance to the backdrop of a garden bed or border. The leaves of the Summer Breeze Gaura are typically green, and their shape can be described as lanceolate, which means they are lance-shaped with pointed tips. The foliage may have a slightly red tinge on the newer growth at times, adding a subtil layer of color and visual interest down at the base of the plant. It's the blossoms of the Summer Breeze Gaura that truly make this plant stand out. Each flower is a small, star-shaped bloom with four petals. They are predominantly white, but as they mature, a blush of light pink often sweeps across the petals, creating a bicolored effect that is quite striking. The contrast between the soft, blushing flowers and the slender, wand-like stems gives this variety a light, ethereal quality. The flowers are particularly known for their long blooming period, lasting from early summer into the fall in many climates. This longevity makes the Summer Breeze Gaura not only a beautiful choice for visual interest but also a reliable source of color throughout the growing season. Attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, this plant brings more than just beauty to gardens; it plays a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar. Its gently swaying stems and dance-like movement, as the name 'Summer Breeze' suggests, offer a dynamic and captivating display that can complement a wide range of garden designs and styles.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
White Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, Lindheimer's Gaura, Summer Breeze Gaura.
Common names
Gaura lindheimeri, Gaura lindheimeri var. lindheimeri, Gaura lindheimeri var. leucantha.
ToxicityTo humans
Gaura, the common name for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of parts of the gaura plant typically should not cause poisoning or adverse health effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities may vary, so it's always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Gaura is not known to be toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. The Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze', commonly referred to as gaura, should not cause poisoning in pets if they ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, pet owners should always monitor their pets for any unusual reactions after ingesting plant material as individual sensitivities can differ.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is highly tolerant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping.
- Long Blooming: It offers an extended blooming period, providing flowers from early summer until frost, which enhances the garden's aesthetic appeal.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular watering or fertilization, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is typically resistant to grazing by deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaura 'Summer Breeze' can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The fibrous stems can be twisted and braided into cords or textiles, taking advantage of the plant's structural properties for crafting.
- When dried, the delicate flowers of Gaura 'Summer Breeze' can be used in potpourri blends, adding fragrance and a touch of color.
- It can serve as a model organism in botanical studies focusing on plant habit and drought resistance.
- The blossoms can be used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries, offering a subtle flavor and elegant presentation.
- Due to its attractive and long-lasting blooms, it can be used as a natural photographic subject for workshops on macro photography.
- Gaura 'Summer Breeze' leaves can be used in insect-repelling sachets, although not as common as other botanicals.
- The plant can function as a companion plant in the garden, attracting pollinators to improve the productivity of vegetable crops.
- Artisans may use the whispy form of Gaura 'Summer Breeze' as inspiration for jewelry designs, capturing its airy nature in metal and stone.
- Children can be taught about the lifecycle of butterflies and bees through observation of the plant, which serves as a natural attractant for these insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGaura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGaura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Oenothera lindheimeri, commonly known as Gaura, is known for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizing adaptability and resilience.
- Peace and Serenity: With its delicate white and pink blossoms, Gaura evokes a sense of calm and peace, often used to create an atmosphere of tranquility in gardens.
- Innocence: The pure, white flowers of Gaura are also symbolic of innocence, reflecting a simple and unblemished beauty.
- Endurance: As a plant that can withstand full sun and has a long blooming season, Gaura represents endurance and the ability to sustain beauty over time.
- Transformation: The lifecycle of Gaura, from a small plant to a tall, wavering presence in the garden, can symbolize personal growth and transformation.
WaterGaura, commonly known as Whirling Butterflies, requires moderate watering, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer months. It is best to water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry, which typically amounts to about once a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Provide approximately one gallon of water to ensure deep soil moisture, encouraging strong root growth. In hotter, drier climates, you may need to water gaura twice a week. During winter, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry for extended periods.
LightWhirling Butterflies thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area with southern or western exposure, ensuring abundant sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can impede its growth and flowering.
TemperatureWhirling Butterflies is well-suited to a variety of temperature conditions and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing temperatures for this perennial are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10, indicating its ability to survive short periods of colder weather if properly mulched.
PruningWhirling Butterflies benefits from pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. It’s best to prune in early spring before new growth starts or immediately after the first flush of flowers fade, usually by cutting back by one-third. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season can also stimulate re-bloom and prevent self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura, also known as Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze', thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture. A blend of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility. This plant prefers a soil pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingGaura does not need to be repotted frequently. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current pot, which is typically every 2-3 years. Use a slightly larger pot to give the roots more room to grow.
Humidity & MistingGaura is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It can thrive in the typical humidity levels found in most outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air flow for indoor Gaura.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil for outdoor Gaura success.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze', commonly known as Gaura or Whirling Butterflies, begins its life as a seed which germinates in the warmth of late spring to early summer. After sprouting, the seedling develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, establishing a root system. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, producing long, slender stems with lance-shaped leaves. As it matures, usually in its second year, it starts to bloom, presenting white to pink flowers that resemble butterflies fluttering on the stems. These flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. Gaura is a perennial, so after the blooming period ends in early fall, the plant goes dormant in winter, resuming growth and flowering in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Summer Breeze', commonly known as Gaura, is often propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer months. To do this, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them into lengths of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), ensuring at least a couple of leaf nodes are present on each cutting. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent excess moisture loss and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cuttings should then be inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place in a propagator to maintain humidity and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Gaura plants can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out.
