Plant Crush of the Month: Gaura (a.k.a. the flirt of the flower bed)
By | May 25, 2025
This month's garden heart-throb? Gaura! (Pronounced *GAW-rah* if you want to sound fancy.) She's the breezy belle of the border, fluttering delicate blooms like she's got nothing but time and sunshine-and honestly, same.
**Meet Gaura, the Southern Sweetheart**
Native to Georgia and much of the southeastern U.S., Gaura brings major *cottage-core* energy to any garden. She's got those wispy stems topped with butterfly like flowers that just dance in the breeze. White, pink, or bushy blooms give off ethereal fairy garden vibes-no winged creatures required. Though I am quite sure your garden will be full of little winged pollinators because gaura is a pollinator faviorite.
**A Perennial with a Plot Twist**
Yes she is a perennial-but don't get to comfy. gaura typically live 4 to 5 years, so she's more of a charming guest than a lifer. Still, she reseeds herself when she's feeling at home, which means you might find some little surprise seedlings popping up late. (She's flirty like that.)
**Why We're Crushing Hard**
***Drought-tolerant queen.** Once established, she's low maintenance and doesn't throw a fit in the Georgia heat. ***Pollinator magnet.** Bees and butterflies love her, and who are we to argue with nature's VIPs?
***Not too needy.** She prefers full sun, average soil, and decent drainage. No diva demands here.
***Extended blooming.** From late spring until fall-this girl shows up and stays late at the party.
**How to Keep Her Happy**
Plant Gaura in a sunny spot with room to wiggle (she needs good airflow to avoid mildew). Also remember she needs room to grow. She gets between 1 and 4 feet high AND wide. So even when you get her small she needs her space. Don't overwater- she is not into clingy behavior. Deadhead if you want tidiness, or let go wild if you're into the meadowy, free spirited look.
**PRO TIP** She can get leggy, so give her a little haircut mid-season to keep things tidy and to encourage more blooms. (Yes, she thrives on the attention.)
**In Summary.**
Gaura is the type of plant that looks effortlessly fabulous, never complains about the heat, and still manages to charm every pollinator in sight. If that's not plant goals, I don't know what is.
Stay Muddy-Bailey