Gaura ‘Cool Breeze’

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Cool Breeze’

Characteristics

Culture

Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Good drainage is essential for Gaura ‘Cool Breeze’. A tap-rooted plant which tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. While deadheading is not necessary, cutting back in midsummer will encourage new flowering stems which will also result in a more compact and tidier plant. Thin flower stems tend to become leggy and flop, particularly when grown in rich soils, and plants can benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennials. Gaura ‘Cool Breeze’ plants (particularly those which typically grow tall) may be cut back in late spring by 1/2 to control size. May self-seed if spent flower stems are left in place in the fall.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Gaura lindheimeri, commonly called Gaura, is an herbaceous clump-forming perennial that is native to Texas and Louisiana. In the breeze these flowers move constantly, looking like a cloud of small butterflies.

Gaura ‘Cool Breeze’ is a hybrid of the Texas Gaura wildflower. This exceptionally long-flowering perennial looks equally at home in an informal cottage-style garden, with naturalistic plantings or among soft grasses in a perennial border. It is particularly useful for filling in gaps and for linking other planting groups together.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in heavy and/or poorly drained soils. Rust and powdery mildew may also occur. Watch for aphids, whitefly and flea beetles.

Garden Uses

Effective in sunny borders. Best in groups or massed. May be grown in containers.  Good cut flower.