Gaura lindheimeri (White Gaura) brings a light, dancing look to beds and borders, sending up slender stems topped with fluttery white flowers that seem to hover over the foliage. You will enjoy a long season of bloom, often from late spring through fall, with plenty of movement even in a small breeze.
Plant White Gaura in full sun for the strongest stems and most flowers, though it also performs well in part shade, especially where summers are hot. Give it well-drained soil; it handles average, sandy, or lean soils better than heavy, wet ground. Once established, it is notably drought tolerant, but it will look freshest with occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
Mature size is typically around 12-18 inches tall for compact plantings, with a relaxed, open spread. To keep your plant tidy and blooming, shear back lightly after a flush of flowers or if stems start to look tired; it quickly rebounds with new growth and more buds. In windy sites, a simple ring support or neighboring plants can help keep stems upright without hiding the airy flower effect.
In colder parts of its range, good drainage is key for winter survival. Leave the crown a bit on the dry side, and apply a light mulch after the ground freezes if winters are wet or harsh. White Gaura is a strong pollinator plant, drawing butterflies and other beneficial insects while adding bright, clean color that pairs easily with grasses, salvias, and other sun-loving perennials.