“Parasol flowers” describe plants admired for their distinct, airy blooms that resemble delicate butterflies or small umbrellas. These flowers add visual interest and soft texture to any garden space, swaying gently with the slightest breeze. They are a popular choice for gardeners.
Understanding Parasol Flowers
The term “parasol flower” is a descriptive label, not a botanical classification, highlighting the distinctive shape of certain blossoms. The primary plant referred to as a “parasol flower” is Gaura lindheimeri, now botanically known as Oenothera lindheimeri. It is recognized by common names such as Lindheimer’s beeblossom, white gaura, pink gaura, wand flower, and whirling butterflies.
While other plants like Podophyllum cymosum or Queen Anne’s Lace have umbrella-shaped flower clusters, Gaura lindheimeri is most frequently associated with the “parasol flower” description due to its airy blooms. Despite botanical reclassification, many nurseries and gardeners continue to use the familiar Gaura name.
Key Characteristics and Varieties
Gaura lindheimeri is an herbaceous perennial that forms a clumping habit with upright or arching growth. These plants reach heights of 2 to 5 feet and spread 1 to 2 feet wide; compact varieties are available. Their narrow, lance-shaped leaves vary from dark green to burgundy, sometimes featuring toothed or wavy margins.
The flowers are four-petaled blooms, 0.5 to 1 inch wide. They emerge from pink buds, opening white and fading to pink as they mature. Borne on long, slender stems, they create the illusion of dancing butterflies. Popular cultivars include ‘Siskiyou Pink’ with rose-pink flowers and ‘Whirling Butterflies’ with abundant white blooms. Other series like ‘Belleza’ offer pink and white options, while ‘Sparkle White’ provides white flowers.
Cultivating Parasol Flowers
Cultivating Gaura lindheimeri begins with proper site selection. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust blooming. They can tolerate some partial shade, but this may result in fewer flowers.
Parasol flowers require well-draining soil. They adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic to alkaline conditions. Good drainage prevents root rot; avoid heavy, overly rich, or poorly drained soils. Once established, Gaura lindheimeri is drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot. Young plants benefit from regular watering to establish a strong root system. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Gaura lindheimeri is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, tolerating heat and humidity well. In colder regions, they may not reliably overwinter and are sometimes treated as annuals. Fertilization needs are minimal; over-fertilizing encourages leggy foliage at the expense of blooms. If needed, apply a balanced fertilizer quarterly during the growing season at half strength.
Pruning and deadheading prolong flowering and maintain plant shape. Removing spent blooms encourages new flowers throughout its long blooming season. Pruning up to half the plant in late winter or early spring promotes bushier growth. A lighter trim in late summer can remove leggy stems and encourage a final flush of blooms. Propagation is possible from seed or stem cuttings; cuttings are often more reliable for specific cultivars. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Parasol flowers are resilient, but some issues can arise. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, results from insufficient sunlight or overly rich soil. To remedy this, ensure full sun exposure and avoid excessive fertilization; regular pruning encourages a more compact, bushier form. Planting them close to other perennials can offer support, preventing flopping.
Lack of blooms links to inadequate sunlight or nutrient imbalance, where too much nitrogen promotes leaf growth over flower production. Providing ample sun and adjusting fertilization resolves this. Though pest-resistant, parasol flowers can encounter aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites, which are managed with standard garden pest control.
Diseases are less common but can occur in unfavorable conditions. Root rot is a risk in poorly drained or heavy soils, while fungal issues like powdery mildew and rust may appear in overly wet environments. Ensuring good soil drainage and air circulation helps prevent these problems. Dark spots on foliage are a physiological response to cooler temperatures, not a disease. For overwintering in colder climates (Zones 5-6), apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect its taproot from freezing. Potted plants can be moved to a frost-free location for winter protection.