Gaura

Gaura Sparkle White Plants – Best In NZ!

Adding colourful perennials to your garden such as Gaura ‘Sparkle White’ delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of whirling butterfly plants and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Gaura, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Gaura Questions

1. What is the season for Gaura?

The season for Gaura in New Zealand is from late spring to autumn. However, the exact blooming may vary depending on the climate and the specific cultivar of Gaura. For example, Gaura 'So White' can last from late spring to late autumn. Other cultivars, such as Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies', typically has a shorter flowering.

2. Where is the best place to plant Gaura?

The best place to plant Gaura is in a sunny spot with a well-drained soil. It will also tolerate some shade, but it will flower best in full sun. Gaura is tolerant of dry periods but will benefit from regular watering, especially during hot weather.

3. Do you cut back Gaura?

It is a good idea to cut back Gaura in late winter, before the new growth begins. This will help to maintain the shape and size of the plant and encourage new growth. To cut back Gaura, simply cut back the stems to about 15 cm above the ground.

4. How do I stop my Gaura from falling over?

There are a few things you can do to stop your Gaura from toppling over:

• Choose a cultivar that is known for its upright habit. Some cultivars, such as Gaura lindheimeri 'So White', are known for their sturdy stems and ability to stand upright without support.
• Plant your Gaura in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Gaura plants that are grown in full sun and well-drained soil will tend to have stronger stems that are less likely to flop.
• Water your Gaura regularly, but avoid overwatering. Overwatering can weaken the stems of Gaura plants.
• Feed your Gaura regularly during the growing season. This will help to promote strong growth and sturdy stems.
• Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plants are young. This will encourage the plants to bush out and produce more stems.
• Stake or cage your Gaura plants if necessary.

5. How do you care for a Gaura plant NZ?

To care for a Gaura plants, here are a few tips:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Gaura plants prefer full sun, but they will also tolerate some shade. Make sure the soil is well-drained, as Gaura plants do not tolerate wet feet.
• Amend the soil with compost before planting. This will help to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant them at least 30 cm apart. This will allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
• Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Feed them monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
• Prune the plant back to about 15 cm above ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

6. How big does Gaura so white get?

Gaura "So White" typically grows to a height 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 metres) and about 2 feet (60 cm) wide.

7. Is Gaura short lived?

Gaura are considered to be short-lived, typically living for 3-5 years before declining or disappearing completely.

8. Do you cut down Gaura?

Yes, pruning Gaura is generally recommended for better flowering and form, and to control their size. This is generally undertaken in late winter or early spring, but can also be done during summer and early autumn. Hard pruning involves cutting plants back to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) above the ground.

Things to keep in mind:

• Use sharp secateurs to make clean cuts.
• Avoid pruning too heavily, especially in late summer and autumn, as this can stress the plant and reduce its winter hardiness.

9. How do I stop my gaura from flopping?

Flopping is a common issue with certain Gaura varieties, especially tall ones. But, you have several options to keep your Gaura upright:

Plant selection:

• Opt for cultivars known for their naturally strong stems, like 'Whirling Butterflies' or 'Sister Theresa.'
• Avoid tall varieties: If space is limited, consider shorter cultivars like 'Summer Breeze' or 'Tiny Dancer.'

Growing conditions:

• Provide your Gaura with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This strengthens stems and promotes bushier growth.
• Avoid soils that hold too much water, as this can weaken stems and encourage flopping.

Pruning and other techniques:

• Early spring pruning: Cut back the stems by about 1/3 in early spring before new growth starts. This encourages stronger stems and bushier growth.
• Staking: If your Gaura is still flopping, consider using discreet stakes or plant supports to guide the stems upright.
• Companion planting: Interplant your Gaura with taller, sturdier plants like ornamental grasses or tall sedums that can provide natural support.

10. Can gaura be overwatered?

Overwatering is indeed a major threat to Gaura plants, even though they are drought-tolerant by nature. Overwatering harms Gaura in the following ways:

• Root rot: Excess moisture in the soil leads to a lack of oxygen around the roots, creating ideal conditions for fungal pathogens to thrive. These pathogens cause root rot, a disease that damages or kills the root system, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients.
• Stunted growth: Overwatered plants struggle to take up water effectively, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing leaves.
• Leggy growth: In some cases, overwatering can encourage leggy growth as the plant stretches toward sunlight and air.
• Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases: Weak, overwatered Gauras are more susceptible to attack by pests and diseases.

Signs of overwatering in Gaura:

• Wilting leaves, despite having moist soil
• Yellowing or browning leaves
• Stems appearing soft and weak
• Stunted growth
• Presence of mold or fungus around the base of the plant