Buy gaura ( syn. Gaura lindheimeri Siskiyou Pink ) Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'

Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'

gaura ( syn. Gaura lindheimeri Siskiyou Pink )

A graceful, hazy plant with airy spikes of bright pink, star-shaped flowers with long anthers like daddy long-legs, held high above the foliage on slender stems from May to September.

Oenothera lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink' is a long-flowering perennial looks equally at home in informal cottage-style gardens, or woven among soft ornamental grasses in new perennial border shemes.

It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, and will soak up the sun, but do give it space for it's wispy stems to splay and arch.

How to care for Oenothera lindheimeri Siskiyou Pink:

Choose a site that mimics the native prairie location in which the plant thrives such as a sunny site with modestly fertile, well-draining soil.

Avoid backfilling with compost (unless the soil is particularly heavy, or poorly drained) as nutrient-rich soil can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Initially, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development, then reduce watering as the plants establish except in prolonged dry spells. A light mulch in spring will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the crown to avoid stem rot.

As winter approaches, leave the spent foliage in place—it adds architectural interest with its russet tones and helps protect the crown from frost. Adding a thicker, dry mulch layer in the late autumn will offer additional winter protection for this perennial.

In early spring, cut back the plants to about 15cm (6in) from the ground, and divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to maintain their vigour.

Please be aware that purplish-brown spotting can appear on gauras at certain times of the year and/or certain times in the plant's life cycle. This is not a disease but a physiological response to cold temperatures, and occurs when new growth has encountered unseasonably chilly conditions. It will not affect the plant's vigour or flowering potential and will often improve in warmer weather.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.5m

Eventual spread:

0.9m

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.