Gaura (Oenothera hispida)
Care, watering, light and tips for Gaura on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Onagraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Gaura
Oenothera hispida, commonly known as gaura-cheirosa, is a perennial plant from the Onagraceae family, valued for its delicate white or pink flowers that resemble small butterflies. It forms dense, airy clumps, ideal for borders, rockeries, or as part of a naturalistic garden, providing subtle movement with the wind. Its prolonged flowering, from spring until the first frosts, makes it an attractive focal point.
Native range
Argentina and Uruguay
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for abundant flowering, although it toler tolerates partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate once established, as it tolerates drought periods; it is essential to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, and is not demanding in terms of nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which, along with poor drainage, is the main cause of cultivation failures.
How to save a dying Gaura
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, weak or woody stems, sparse or no flowering. May look wilted even with moist soil.
- First aid
- Check drainage and sun exposure. If potted, consider repotting to a larger one with light soil. Prune damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or heavy soil retaining too much moisture. Also extreme cold or insufficient sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's quite resilient. With good drainage, sun, and pruning, it usually recovers. Patience and observation are key.