Steffi Blush Pink Gaura is a popular cultivar of the perennial Gaura, also known as Whirling Butterflies. This variety is cherished for its delicate, long-lasting pink blooms that seem to float on airy stems. Its hardiness and ease of care make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add gentle movement and consistent color to their outdoor spaces.
Key Characteristics
Its distinct blush pink flowers contribute to its graceful appearance. These blooms are star-shaped with shell pink overtones, emerging from ruby-red flower buds, and appear on slender, upright stems. The flowers have a delicate, butterfly-like shape, adding an ethereal quality as they sway in the breeze.
The foliage is typically green, sometimes displaying a slight reddish tint on its stems. It forms a compact, clump-forming mound at its base, growing to about 14 to 18 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 20 inches. It blooms from late spring through autumn, providing continuous color.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Steffi Blush Pink Gaura thrives in full sun exposure, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, though full sun promotes the best flowering.
It requires well-drained soil to flourish and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or loamy compositions. Good drainage is important to prevent root rot, particularly during winter. This perennial is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Planting Steffi Blush Pink Gaura is best done in either spring or fall. Space individual plants approximately 14 to 15 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. After planting, water thoroughly to help establish the root system.
For newly planted Gaura, water regularly to support establishment, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
Steffi Blush Pink Gaura has minimal fertilizer requirements, as too much can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. If needed, a light application of a balanced granular fertilizer or a 1-2 inch layer of compost can be applied in early spring, keeping compost away from the plant’s crown.
Deadheading spent flowers is optional but can encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. To promote fresh, bushy growth and maintain shape, cut back the stems by about one-third in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. In appropriate hardiness zones, established plants require little special winter protection, though a thick mulch around the root zone can offer additional protection in colder microclimates.
Garden Uses and Benefits
Steffi Blush Pink Gaura is a versatile plant that integrates into various garden designs. It is an excellent choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and mass plantings due to its airy texture and delicate appearance. This cultivar also performs well in containers, providing a graceful element to patios and balconies. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem.