Growing a Gaura in a pot

What type of pot to choose?

Between plastic and terracotta, prefer a terracotta pot, a natural material that allows air to circulate, keeping the root ball well-aerated, retaining a few extra degrees in the sun, and contributing to drainage with this permeable material.
For planting a solitary specimen, choose a pot that is 30 to 40 cm in all dimensions. If you wish to combine Gaura with other plants such as Dahlias, Chinese fountain grasses, Petunias, or heucheras, choose a larger pot or planter.
The bottom must be obligatory perforated. If it is not, make holes using a drill and a suitable bit depending on the material of the pot, whether plastic, terracotta, or resin.

Which varieties to choose?

Perennial Gauras form large bushy clumps that bear small, graphic flowers resembling tiny butterflies. The larger varieties, which measure over a metre in height, do not thrive in containers or pots. Their stems bend at the slightest gust of wind. It is advisable to grow compact and smaller varieties of Gaura with low heights:

• between 40 and 45 cm in height, dwarf Gaura: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Cherry Brandy’ and Gaura ‘Baby Butterfly Dark Pink’.
• approximately 60 cm, with pink flowers: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Blaze’, ‘Rosy Jane’, ‘Crimson Butterfly’, ‘Passionate Blush’, or ‘Siskiyou Pink’.
• approximately 60 cm, with white flowers: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Snowstorm’ and ‘Snowbird’.
• between 75 and 80 cm in height, pink Gaura: Gaura lindheimeri pink ‘Freefolk Rosy’.
• between 75 and 80 cm in height, white Gaura with variegated foliage: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Corrie’s Gold’.

→ Discover our guide and tips to choose a Gaura

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Cherry Brandy’ (Credit GWI Gilles Delacroix), Gaura ‘Snowstorm’ and Gaura ‘Baby Butterfly Dark Pink’ (from left to right)

Which substrate to choose?

To maintain abundant flowering, Gaura needs well-drained soil that must not retain moisture. To achieve this, always place a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot made of sand, gravel, pebbles, or clay balls. Use approximately 1/4 sand to 3/4 special flowering plant compost or garden soil.

When and how to plant a Gaura in a pot?

Gaura grown in the ground or in pots will thrive in a sunny or partially shaded spot for part of the day. Think carefully about the placement of pots as Gauras attract pollinating insects with their sweet nectar. Avoid dining or resting areas.

When to plant a Gaura in a pot?

To enjoy six months of flowering from Gauras, you have two options:

• either in spring (from March to May),
• or in autumn (from September to November). Both seasons are perfect for Gauras to settle in gently.

How to plant a Gaura in a pot?

Gauras in pots require some special precautions to thrive for a long time:

• Start by checking the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot;
• Soak the root ball in water to moisten it and help the root system establish well;
• Install a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot: gravel, pebbles, clay balls, or pottery shards to about 8 cm in height;
• Fill the pot three-quarters full with potting soil; place the root ball in the centre, without pushing it down too much. The base of the stems should be level with the soil. If you push the root ball down too far, water will stagnate and the collar of the plant will eventually rot;
• Fill any gaps with potting soil or garden soil;
• Firm the surface with your hands and top up if necessary;
• Water generously.

How to care for a Gaura in a pot?

How to water a Gaura in a pot?

Gaura needs well-drained soil that is always moist but not waterlogged. To achieve this, you must provide good drainage right from planting. After planting, water generously and then regularly to keep the soil fresh. Touch the substrate with your finger and never let it dry out completely. To retain moisture, you can apply a layer of organic mulch on the surface. This will reduce the watering chore for the gardener. Be vigilant during dry periods. Once autumn arrives, reduce watering to once a month.

How to fertilise a Gaura in a pot?

To maintain abundant flowering and healthy growth of a Gaura in a pot, apply a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants once a month from May to August. Do this during a watering session.

When and how to prune a Gaura in a pot?

Throughout the summer, cut back the stems of faded flowers. At the end of autumn, trim the foliage down to the ground in the South, and elsewhere, leave the foliage to protect the plant throughout winter. Around March or April, you can cut the clump back to the ground using a shear.

How to winter a Gaura in a pot?

Hardy down to -20°C, Gaura needs to be either sheltered against a wall throughout winter or protected by a fleece or a thick mulch in regions with harsh winters.

For further reading

• After planting young plants of Gaura in pots, dive into growing Gaura in the ground.
• Find pairing ideas with Gauras in our dedicated advice sheet: Gaura lindheimeri: 8 successful pairing ideas.
• Let our comprehensive guide lead you: Gaura, planting and growing.
• To make the right choice of plants, we advise you to plant appropriately; feel free to adopt our Plantfit web application!