Gaura

Gaura lindheimeri

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A graceful, hazy plant with airy spikes of white, star-shaped flowers with long anthers like daddy long-legs, held on slender stems from May to September. This exceptionally long-flowering perennial looks equally at home in an informal cottage-style garden or among soft grasses in a new perennial border. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant and will soak up the sun. Give it space, as its wispy stems will lean over plants and pathways.

• Garden care: Resist the temptation to cut back after the plant has flowered, as it takes on beautiful autumn tints, particularly in cold weather. Cut back and divide large colonies in spring.