Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri 'Gautalwhi' STRATOSPHERE WHITE)
Discover Gaura lindheimeri 'Gautalwhi' STRATOSPHERE WHITE, an expert choice for sunny borders. This Gaura offers continuous white blooms and medium maintenance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE is a spectacular herbaceous perennial known for its delicate, butterfly-like white flowers that dance atop wiry stems throughout the growing season. This specific cultivar, Gaura, offers a desirable compact habit, making it perfect for modern garden designs where space might be limited compared to the taller forms of the species. Its long bloom time, stretching from May well into September, ensures consistent visual interest in sunny perennial beds.
Native to Texas and Louisiana, this Gaura cultivar thrives in conditions that mimic its arid-tolerant origins, provided drainage is excellent. The flowers of Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE open in the morning and create a stunning, airy display that lightens up borders. It is a highly valuable addition for gardeners seeking low-fuss structure and continuous seasonal color.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Onagraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE in sandy, loamy soils that offer superb drainage, as good drainage is absolutely essential to prevent root rot. This taprooted plant establishes well in full sun and shows admirable tolerance for heat, humidity, and periods of drought once established. Avoid rich soils, as these encourage thin flower stems to become excessively leggy and prone to flopping over.
Water needs are medium; allow the soil surface to dry between irrigation sessions, reflecting its moderate drought tolerance. Maintenance is generally straightforward, though you should remove spent flower spikes regularly to encourage a prolonged bloom period. If the stems still look too leggy late in the spring, you may cut the plants back by one-half to help control size and maintain a denser appearance.
Be aware that while the wild species may self-seed, this specific cultivar, Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE, will not reliably come true from seed, meaning propagation should typically be done via named divisions or cuttings. Gardeners in the cooler end of its range (USDA Zone 5) should monitor plants closely, as winter hardiness may not be completely reliable every season.
Landscape Uses
Gaura is highly effective when integrated into sunny borders, where its airy structure contrasts beautifully with more dense, mounding perennials. It truly excels when planted in groups or massed together, which provides a more substantial drift of fluttering white flowers across the landscape. Due to its manageable height of 1 to 1.5 feet, Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE is also an excellent choice for container gardening, adding vertical grace to pots situated on sunny patios or decks.
Consider pairing this white-flowering Gaura with plants that appreciate similar sharp drainage and full sun, such as coneflowers (Echinacea), Salvia, or ornamental grasses that offer contrasting textures. The light color palette of the Gaura allows it to harmonize well in both cool-toned silver/blue plantings and classic cottage garden schemes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus name Gaura comes from the Greek gauros meaning “superb” in reference to the beautiful flowers. STRATOSPHERE WHITE is a compact, upright cultivar that typically grows to 16” tall, producing four-petaled, white flowers that bloom above the foliage in open wand-like panicles from mid-spring to fall. These flowers open slowly, only a few at a time, and appear to dance like butterflies in the wind, while the narrow, lance-shaped leaves mature from reddish hues in spring to green.
Tolerances
No specific tolerances were listed for this cultivar beyond its natural heat and humidity tolerance mentioned in the culture notes.
Potential Problems
Gardeners must guard against poor drainage, as root rot is a significant threat when Gaura is planted in heavy, water-retentive soils. Fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew may occasionally appear, particularly in humid conditions or if air circulation is poor. Regularly inspect plants for common pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles, treating them promptly should significant infestations develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Gaura suitable for?
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though Zone 5 gardeners should watch for winter performance variability.
How large does Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot wide, maintaining a compact, upright habit.
What sun exposure does Gaura need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to maintain its best flowering performance and strong, upright stems.
When does Gaura bloom?
You can expect blooms from May through September, featuring abundant white flowers that create a delicate, airy texture.
Conclusion
The long bloom season and graceful movement of Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE make it a standout performer in hot, sunny locations requiring medium water. By ensuring excellent soil drainage, you can successfully enjoy this superb Gaura cultivar throughout the summer months. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and prepare a site with sharp drainage to guarantee success.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE is easy when focusing on plants that share a preference for full sun and well-drained, drier soil conditions. Consider pairing it with silvery foliage such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), as these plants accentuate the airy white blooms while appreciating similar dry soil conditions. Low-growing Sedums or hardy Geraniums also make excellent foreground companions, providing a contrasting, denser texture below the upright wands of the Gaura.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the best time for initial site preparation and planting, ensuring the soil is workable but not overly saturated. Perform any necessary size control cuts in late spring or early summer if the plant’s growth appears floppy; cutting the stems back by half can rejuvenate the habit. Throughout the summer, regularly deadhead spent flower spikes from Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gautalwhi’ STRATOSPHERE WHITE to encourage maximum repeat blooming. In late fall, resist the urge to cut all stems back, as leaving them standing can provide winter interest and shelter for beneficial insects, though they should be cut back hard in early spring before new growth emerges.
