White Gaura Plant Size:
Get the Right Size for You

Gaura lindheimeri, commonly known as white gaura, is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to North America. With its delicate white flowers and graceful, wispy stems, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. However, before adding white gaura to your garden, it is important to understand its size and growth habits to ensure that you choose the right size for your space.

Understanding the Growth Habit of White Gaura

White gaura is a clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) and spreads about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide. It has slender stems that are topped with small, star-shaped white flowers. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer and continue blooming throughout the summer months.

One of the unique characteristics of white gaura is its ability to sway with the slightest breeze, giving it an ethereal appearance in the garden. The slender stems and delicate flowers add movement and interest to any landscape.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Garden

When selecting plants for your garden, it is important to consider the available space and how the plant will fit into the overall design. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size of white gaura for your garden:

1. Garden Space

White gaura needs enough space to spread out and grow without being crowded by other plants. Consider the mature size of the plant and give it enough room to thrive. If you have a smaller garden, you may want to opt for compact varieties or use white gaura as a focal point in a container garden.

2. Companion Plants

Consider the other plants in your garden and how they will interact with white gaura. Since white gaura has an airy and delicate appearance, it pairs well with plants that have broader leaves or a more compact growth habit. Avoid planting it next to tall, dense plants that may overshadow or crowd the white gaura.

3. Overall Garden Design

Think about the overall design and style of your garden. If you have a formal garden, you may want to choose white gaura varieties that stay more compact and have a neater appearance. For a more natural or cottage-style garden, taller and more sprawling varieties may be a better fit.

White Gaura Varieties

There are several white gaura varieties available, each with its own unique size and growth habit. Here are a few popular white gaura varieties to consider:

1. ‘Whirling Butterflies’

‘Whirling Butterflies’ is one of the most popular white gaura varieties. It grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) and has a similar spread. The delicate white flowers appear on tall stems and sway gracefully in the wind, giving the plant its whimsical name.

2. ‘Sparkle White’

‘Sparkle White’ is a more compact variety of white gaura that reaches a height of about 18 inches (45 cm) and spreads about 2 feet (60 cm) wide. This variety is perfect for smaller gardens or as a border plant along pathways or garden beds.

3. ‘Siskiyou Pink’

While not strictly white, ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is a lovely variety that produces pale pink flowers. It reaches a height of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) and has a spread of about 2 feet (60 cm). This variety adds a soft touch of color to the garden while still maintaining the graceful appearance of white gaura.

Care Tips for White Gaura

Once you have chosen the right size of white gaura for your garden, it is important to provide it with the proper care to ensure its health and longevity. Here are a few care tips for white gaura:

• Sunlight: White gaura thrives in full sun to partial shade. Make sure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Watering: White gaura is drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Soil: White gaura prefers well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.

• Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer. Cut back the entire plant to about 6 inches (15 cm) in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate growth.

• Fertilizer: White gaura does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired.

Final Thoughts

White gaura is a stunning perennial plant that adds grace and beauty to any garden or landscape. By understanding its size and growth habits, you can choose the right size of white gaura for your space and create a harmonious garden design. Whether you opt for a taller variety or a more compact option, white gaura is sure to enchant you with its delicate flowers and graceful swaying stems.