Gaura (Gaura 'So White')
Gaura 'So White' is a compact herbaceous perennial offering masses of pure white, butterfly-like flowers from late spring through summer.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Gaura ‘So White’ is a standout cultivar prized for its exceptionally long bloom season and delicate, pure white flowers that appear to dance on slender stems. This Gaura cultivar provides continuous movement and light accents in the garden from May until August, making it an invaluable mid to late-season performer. Its compact nature distinguishes it from taller relatives, making Gaura ‘So White’ perfect for defined borders and smaller spaces where traditional varieties might become overwhelming.
As an herbaceous perennial, Gaura ‘So White’ establishes a sturdy, though sometimes fine-stemmed, presence. It thrives on neglect once established, preferring lean soil conditions and full sun, which helps keep its structure upright. Gardeners love this plant not just for the visual appeal of Gaura ‘So White’, but also for its tolerance of challenging summer conditions, including heat, humidity, and short periods of drought.
The genus name Gaura signifies “superb,” a nod to these beautiful flowers. With flowers noted for being pure white with no spotting, this specific Gaura cultivar brightens any scheme, floating above foliage in wand-like clusters. Incorporating Gaura ‘So White’ into your design ensures sophisticated texture and reliable color throughout the warmest months.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Onagraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to August
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance of your Gaura ‘So White’, plant new specimens in the spring after the last frost threat has passed. Location selection is critical; this plant demands full sun for the best flower production and shortest, strongest stems. It thrives best when grown in evenly moist, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil, making good drainage essential for its long-term health.
Watering should remain consistent but not excessive; Gaura requires a medium water intake, tolerating some drought once established, which is common for this tap-rooted plant. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as rich soils or excessive nitrogen can encourage weak, leggy growth prone to flopping. If you must prune, remove spent flower spikes to encourage a longer bloom period throughout the summer.
Be mindful that this Gaura cultivar can be prone to stem weakness. If the thin flower stems begin to sprawl, consider planting them closely together or providing incidental support from neighboring, sturdy perennials. Proper placement in well-draining, perhaps poorer, soil is the best prevention method against weak stems.
Landscape Uses
Gaura ‘So White’ excels in creating airy movement within various garden settings. Its moderate height (1 to 1.5 feet) makes it a fantastic choice for the middle of borders, where its white blooms can contrast beautifully with deeper-colored companions without obscuring them. It fits seamlessly into the unstructured look of cottage gardens or wild gardens, mimicking natural meadow movement.
For smaller spaces or patios, Gaura ‘So White’ is excellent in patio containers. Use it as a light, vertical element combined with mounding annuals or spikier vertical fillers. In the landscape, pair it with plants that share its love for full sun and good drainage, such as Sedum, Salvia, or ornamental grasses, to create a cohesive, low-maintenance tapestry that lasts all season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Gaura contains diverse species, but ‘So White’ is noted as a compact cultivar, reaching only 12-18 inches tall. It features four-petaled, pure white flowers, about 1 inch across, borne on wand-like panicles that open sequentially over a very long late spring to summer season. These flowers open only a few at a time, fluttering delicately in the slightest breeze, supported by narrow, lance-shaped green leaves.
Tolerances
- Tolerates heat
- Tolerates humidity
- Tolerates some drought
- Tolerates poor soils
Potential Problems
This variety of Gaura is generally robust, presenting no serious insect or disease problems when grown under appropriate conditions. The most significant risk arises from excess moisture; plant stems are generally weak, and root rot may occur in heavy, poorly drained soils. Furthermore, when grown in overly rich soils or excessive shade, the stems of Gaura ‘So White’ become decidedly weak, leading to flopping. Ensure sharp drainage to mitigate these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Gaura ‘So White’ suitable for?
Gaura ‘So White’ is suitable for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Gaura grow?
When fully mature, Gaura ‘So White’ typically reaches a height between 1 to 1.5 feet and spreads between 0.5 to 1 foot wide.
When does Gaura bloom?
This herbaceous perennial offers a long bloom time, typically flowering from May to August, displaying masses of white blossoms.
What sun exposure does Gaura ‘So White’ need?
This plant requires Full sun exposure to thrive and maintain compact form.
Conclusion
The defining characteristic of Gaura ‘So White’ is its reliable, airy display of pure white flowers that lasts for months, offering exceptional visual impact with surprisingly low demands. Its tolerance for heat and poor soils makes this Gaura a gardener’s friend in tough spots. Before planting, confirm that your site offers full sun and superb drainage, and you will be rewarded all summer long with the delicate dance of Gaura ‘So White’.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that appreciate lean soil and full sun will ensure your Gaura ‘So White’ thrives without being overshadowed or overfed. Plants with silvery or blue foliage create a classic contrast against the white flowers, enhancing their brightness. Consider pairing it with Lavender (Lavandula) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) for complementary textures and drought tolerance.
For cottage garden looks, drift patches of fine-textured ornamental grasses, such as the shorter varieties of Calamagrostis, behind the Gaura. Alternatively, use low-growing, heat-tolerant companions like trailing Portulaca or Creeping Thyme at the front of the border to soften the edges and provide textural variety near the base of the upright Gaura ‘So White’ stems.
Design Ideas
The airy structure of Gaura ‘So White’ is ideal for “softening” hard lines in the landscape, such as the transition between a walkway and the lawn, or where a shrub border meets open space. Because of its delicate, butterfly-like motion, it reads well when used in drifts rather than as a single specimen plant. Planting in groups of three or five provides a more substantial visual impact while maintaining that ethereal feel.
For modern minimal designs, use Gaura ‘So White’ as a repeating, monochromatic accent against dark architectural materials or deep purple foliage plants like black Mondo grass or dark Heuchera. This repeated white punctuation keeps the look clean while capitalizing on the long bloom window provided by this adaptable perennial.
