Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri 'Gaudpin' STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE)
Gaura lindheimeri 'Gaudpin' STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE offers soft pink, butterfly-like blooms from May to September in sunny borders, embodying the superb beauty of Gaura.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE is a standout herbaceous perennial prized for its continuous, airy display of soft pink flowers that dance in the breeze. This compact cultivar of Gaura adds height and movement to garden designs without overwhelming the space. It is tolerant of heat and humidity, making it a reliable performer throughout the summer months.
Native to Texas and Louisiana, this Gaura variety offers exceptional visual interest from late spring well into fall. The delicate, four-petaled flowers open sequentially on wiry stems, creating a cloud-like effect perfect for softening the edges of sunny borders. Growing Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE ensures months of low-fuss beauty in the hottest parts of the garden.
This plant benefits from excellent drainage and a commitment to full sun exposure to maintain its upright habit. Whether massed for impact or used as an accent, this Gaura provides a superb architectural element thanks to its wand-like flowering stems.
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: Soft pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Gaura thrives when placed in sandy, loamy, or generally well-drained soils. Ensure the chosen location receives excellent drainage, as this is critical for the long-term health of this taprooted perennial. While many Gaura varieties tolerate drought once established, maintain medium watering during active growth, especially in hot, humid climates.
Maintenance for Gaura is generally straightforward. Remove spent flower spikes regularly to encourage prolific reblooming throughout the season. A key cultural note is that thin flower stems in rich soils can become leggy and flop. To combat this, consider planting adjacent perennials closely to provide gentle support or massing the Gaura for structural reinforcement.
For size management, especially in Zone 5 where winter hardiness can be variable, you may cut back the plants by half in late spring. If you plan to leave spent stems for winter interest or potential self-seeding, be aware that this specific cultivar, Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE, will not propagate true to type from seed.
Landscape Uses
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE excels in sunny borders where its airy structure can contrast with denser, mounding plants. It is highly effective when planted in groups or massed together to create a shimmering, continuous drift of pink color that draws the eye through the mid-border. The vertical lines provided by the flower wands add essential architectural structure.
Because of its tidy size (1 to 1.5 feet tall), this Gaura is also a wonderful addition to containers. Pair it with lower-growing, heat-tolerant annuals or perennials that spill over the edges to create dynamic mixed plantings. In borders, consider companions like ornamental grasses, Salvia, or Echinacea, which share similar sun and drainage requirements.
The movement created by the flowers, often described as dancing, makes any area utilizing this Gaura feel lively. Utilize it to connect different sections of the garden bed, leveraging its ability to handle significant summer heat and humidity.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaura lindheimeri, commonly called gaura, is a herbaceous clump-forming perennial that is native to Texas and Louisiana. The genus name Gaura comes from the Greek gauros meaning “superb” in reference to the beautiful flowers. This specific cultivar, STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE, is praised for its compact, upright growth reaching about 20 inches tall, featuring four-petaled, soft pink flowers that look like butterflies fluttering above the foliage from mid-spring to fall.
Tolerances
- Tolerates heat
- Tolerates humidity
- Tolerates some drought
Potential Problems
Root rot is a significant risk if Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE is planted in heavy or poorly drained soils; excellent drainage is truly non-negotiable for this plant. Fungal issues such as rust and powdery mildew can also manifest, often encouraged by poor air circulation or high humidity.
Monitor regularly for common garden pests that can target Gaura, including aphids, whitefly, and flea beetles. Early detection allows for simple management, often achievable with targeted insecticidal soaps or strong water sprays before infestations become severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Gaura suitable for?
This variety is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though winter survival in the colder end of Zone 5 can sometimes be unreliable.
How large does Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE grow?
This cultivar typically reaches heights between 1 and 1.5 feet with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot, offering a manageable size for borders.
What sun exposure does Gaura need?
For the best flowering and growth habit, Gaura requires full sun exposure daily.
When does Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE bloom?
You can expect continuous bloom from this plant from May through September, displaying attractive soft pink flowers.
Conclusion
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE is an essential inclusion for gardeners seeking resilient, long-blooming color in full sun. Its butterfly-like flowers and tolerance for heat make the Gaura a superb, low-maintenance addition to bright, well-drained locations. Before planting, ensure your site offers plenty of sun and superior drainage to maximize the beauty of this superb perennial.
Companion Planting
Choosing suitable neighbors is key to supporting the structure and drainage needs of Gaura. Plants that prefer lean, dry, sunny conditions will thrive alongside Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE. Excellent pairing options include upright Lavender (Lavandula), hardy California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica), or various Sedum varieties which offer contrasting foliage texture.
Avoiding rich, moisture-retentive soils for companions is as important as soil preparation for the Gaura itself. By grouping it with other drought-tolerant perennials, you establish a supportive ecosystem that thrives even as other parts of the garden might require more frequent irrigation.
Design Ideas for Airy Movement
The wispy, wand-like stems of Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ STRATOSPHERE PINK PICOTEE are perfect for creating visual “float” within a planting scheme. Use this airiness to break up solid swaths of color or texture; plant them near the front or middle of a sunny border so the flowers are silhouetted against darker green, broader-leaved plants.
In contemporary or prairie-style landscaping, mass planting these pink-flowered Gaura creates a subtle, unifying haze that softens hardscaping elements like stone walls or gravel paths. Their height (1’ to 1.5’) places them perfectly below taller specimens like Russian Sage or ornamental grasses but well above low-growing groundcovers.
