Gaura lindheimeri Freefolk Rosy

This Gaura lindheimeri Freefolk Rosy, also known as Lindheimer's Gaura, forms a vigorous clump, extremely floriferous, covered from June to September with abundant white flowers delicately edged and speckled with pale pink. Its deciduous foliage is composed of small hairy leaves, all variegated with cream, green and violet. Its rapid growth and compact habit allow it to be grown in a pot on the terrace. This plant, although short-lived, is both elegant and proud, indispensable in a flower garden. Ideal in dry to moist, even poor soil, in full sun.

Gaura lindheimeri Freefolk Rosy belongs to the Onagraceae family and is a relative of evening primroses. The natural range of Gaura lindheimeri from which it originates is located on the border between Mexico and the United States (Prairies and pine forests of Louisiana and Texas, Houston). It is one of the most floriferous plants. 'Freefolk Rosy' has a fairly compact clumping habit. It is a perennial with a taproot, forming a bushy clump, slightly spreading, 75 cm (30in) tall with a spread of 50 cm (20in). The flowering stems, branched, very numerous and thin, give the plant its bushy appearance. Flowering occurs in successive waves, from mid-spring to autumn. The butterfly-like flowers are grouped in panicles 30 to 75 cm (12 to 30in) long, white, with a border and speckles of pale pink, deep pink on the undersides of the petals. The foliage is beautiful. The pale green lamina of each leaf is variegated on the edge with cream, with small violet areas. These small leaves are hairy on both sides. The root system is a taproot that allows the plant to anchor itself in poor, even rocky soils.

Gauras have quickly become the stars of urban flower beds and gardens. This success can be explained by their incredible floriferousness and the speed at which they develop. These plants, which seem unaffected by the wind, quickly become indispensable to anyone who has tried them for a season. Wherever they are planted they bring lightness and grace, just like the grasses with which they form beautiful combinations. Gaura lindheimeri 'Freefolk Rosy' has its place in the background of herbaceous borders or beds. It pairs well with roses, grows among shrubs like abelias and deutzias, or accompanies frugal perennials like daylilies, catmints, Scabiosa Moon Dance, Asclepias Ice Ballet, and Oenothera versicolor. Gauras also thrive in large containers.

The species name comes from the Greek 'gauros' which means magnificent or proud, alluding to its amazing flowers which resemble butterflies attached to its stems.