How big does Gaura grow?

About 1 m × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 30–90 cm.

What soil does Gaura grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Gaura flower?

Flowering: June–October, white, pink.

How much water does Gaura need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Gaura cost?

It sells for roughly €8 to €10 in local shops, depending on size.

Gaura

Gaura lindheimeri

Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €8.

Illustration of Gaura — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An airy, long-flowering perennial whose thin, swaying stems carry butterfly-like white or pink flowers from early summer until the frosts. It takes heat and drought well, but only thrives in full sun and loose, free-draining soil. It is short-lived and suffers in cold, wet winters, so plant it in spring, mulch the crown for winter and expect to replace it every few years.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it is only conditionally hardy: sources give anything from minus 15 to minus 25 °C, and plants die mostly in heavy soil that stays wet in winter. Plant it in loose, lean soil, cover young crowns with dry leaves or conifer branches and leave the stems standing until spring. It is short-lived and needs renewing every few years, although it often self-seeds where it is happy. Rust, powdery mildew and aphids can occur, and the stems flop in rich soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, white, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €8

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €9
30-50 cm	approx. €8
40-60 cm	approx. €10

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden

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