Gaura lindheimeri Blanche - Beeblossom

Gaura lindheimeri 'Blanche' is a wonderful perennial that combines many qualities. Its round, compact, and well-balanced silhouette is perfect. It boasts an exceptionally generous white flowering. From June to September, it is covered with pale-pink buds that open into graceful small white flowers, gathered in light spikes that submerge the soft grey-green foliage. This short-lived plant shows rapid growth and good hardiness. Both elegant and proud, it is essential in a white garden. Ideal in dry to moist soil, even poor, in the sun.

Gaura lindheimeri belongs to the Onagraceae family, and is a cousin of evening primroses. The natural range of Gaura lindheimeri is located on the border between Mexico and the United States (Prairies and hot pine forests of Louisiana and Texas, Houston). It is one of the most floriferous plants. 'Blanche', from which it comes, produces compact vegetation, which comes alive in the wind. Like all white-flowered varieties, it is hardy and can withstand temperatures of around -15°C (5°F). This perennial forms a weakly spreading bushy tuft from a basal rosette, 60cm (24in) tall, with a spread of about 50cm (20in). The branched, numerous and thin floral stems give the plant its bushy appearance. The flowering takes place in successive waves, from mid-spring to autumn. The flowers bear 4 spread petals centred on a bouquet of long flexible stamens. The flowers resemble white butterflies. They follow the pink buds and are grouped in panicles 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) long. The foliage is magnificent. In spring, the branches bear red shoots. These unfold into elongated leaves like those of willows, whose lamina has a grey-green to glaucous colour. These small leaves are downy on both sides. The root system is a taproot that allows the plant to anchor itself in mediocre or even rocky soils.

Gauras have quickly become the stars of urban flower beds and gardens. This success is explained by their incredible floribundity and the speed at which they develop. These plants, which seem unaffected by the wind, quickly become indispensable. Regardless of where they are planted, they bring lightness, volume, and elegance. Gaura lindheimeri 'Blanche' has its place in the background of herbaceous borders. It goes well with roses, grows between bushes like abelias and deutzias, and accompanies frugal perennials like daylilies, catmints, Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue', Asclepias 'Ice Ballet', and Oenothera versicolor. Gaura also thrives in large pots and balcony planters.