Gaura lindheimeri Snowbird

The Gaura lindheimeri 'Snowbird' is a new variety, extremely free-flowering, with a compact and well-balanced shape. No matter if the soil is rich and moisture-retentive or not, gaura will bloom continuously for 5 months, producing a multitude of absolutely pure white flowers, without a hint of pink, well-distributed from the top to the bottom of its green stems. Unaffected by rain, wind, chalky soil or drought, gauras are unrivalled in bringing airiness and movement to sunny flower beds, even in poor soils.

The Gaura lindheimeri belongs to the Onagraceae family, a cousin of the evening primroses. The natural habitat of Gaura lindheimeri is the border between Mexico and the United States (the prairies and warm pine forests of Louisiana and Texas, Houston). Thriving in moisture and fertile soil, it is one of the most profusely flowering, though short-lived, perennials. 'Snowbird' produces compact foliage that comes alive in the wind. Like all white flower varieties, it is very hardy and can withstand temperatures down to around -15°C (5 °F). Rising from a basal rosette it forms a slightly flared clump, about 60 cm (23.6 in) high, with a spread of about 50 cm (19.7 in). The numerous slender branching floral stems give the plant its bushy appearance. Flowering takes place in successive waves, from mid-spring to autumn. The flowers, with 4 spreading petals centred on a cluster of long flexible stamens, look just like white butterflies. They are grouped in panicles 30 to 60 cm (11.8 - 23.6 in) long. In spring, the branches bear apple-green shoots and unfurl into elongated dark green willow-like leaves, downy on both sides. It has a taproot system that allows the plant to anchor itself well in poor, even rocky soils.

Gauras have quickly become the stars of urban flower beds and gardens. This success is explained by their incredible abundance of flowers and the speed at which they develop. These plants, which seem impervious to bad weather, quickly become indispensable after only one year. Wherever they are planted, they bring airiness, volume and grace. The elegant and majestic Gaura lindheimeri 'Snowbird' is an absolute essential in a white garden. It is at home at the back of of herbaceous borders or flower beds. It looks good with roses and between shrubs like Abelias and Deutzias, and combines with other undemanding perennials like daylilies or bearded irises, catmints, Scabiosa 'Moon Dance', Asclepias 'Ice Ballet' and Oenothera versicolor. Gauras also do very well in large pots and window boxes. Their flowers add a very refined touch to bouquets.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under shelter (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.