Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Gaura — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Oenothera lindheimeri |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/8 in deep in loose, well-drained germination mix; plants develop a deep taproot early so pot on before roots become crowded. Plant in full sun and lean, well-drained soil — gaura thrives on neglect and declines in fertile, wet conditions. The wand-like stems bearing butterfly-shaped white or pink flowers sway gracefully all season without deadheading. Cut plants back to 6 in after the first heavy bloom flush to encourage a tidy second flush through autumn.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0