Gaura ‘Siskiyou Pink’

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’

Characteristics

Culture

Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun, for Gaura ‘Siskiyou Pink’, good drainage is essential. A tap rooted plant which tolerates heat, humidity, and some drought. Remove spent flower spikes to prolong bloom period. 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. Plants 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 a herbaceous clump-forming perennial that is native to Texas and Louisiana.  ‘Siskiyou Pink’ typically grows 2.5-3′ tall on rigid, wiry stems. Features 4-petaled, butterfly-like flowers which emerge rose pink from deep maroon buds. Flowers appear in open panicles, blooming several at a time over a long spring to autumn bloom time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stalkless leaves are mottled with maroon. A hybrid of the Texas Native Guara, ‘Siskiyou Pink’ was a little known plant until the 1990’s with its introduction into the Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery in Medford, Oregon.

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. Stems may need support.

Garden Uses

Effective in sunny borders. Best in groups or massed. May be grown in containers. Wild gardens or naturalized areas.