Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sway With Me


                                Like a flower bending in the breeze
                     Bend with me, sway with ease
                        When we dance you have a way with me
                     Stay with me. sway with me
                                                 Pablo Beltrán Ruiz

   Gaura or wand flower is a billowing perennial which makes quite an impact.  This somewhat shrubby plant reaches 3’ in height and develops a long taproot allowing it to be heat and drought resistant.  Narrow lanced shaped leaves are sometimes tinged with maroon.  But what makes this plant so wonderful are the  buds along the wiry, wand-like stems which open to reveal its 4-peteled, orchid –like blossoms.   Blooms are either white or pink, in combination or fading from one to the other, and it continues to bloom from spring to autumn.
     Gaura sways with the gentlest breeze, bringing beautiful movement to your garden.  
Butterflies and bees have no problem landing on these swaying arches.   I have mine planted on the stream where it almost seems to keep time with the sound of the water.  This plant also does well in a container, but make sure where ever you plant it, it gets plenty of sun. 
     Gaura is a great plant as a single specimen or its arching wands mingle well with other plants in a boarder.  Add this plant to your garden and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

2 comments:

  1. I planted a number of them three Julys ago, a few of them have died, too much water perhaps? Gotta love clay.
    I still love having them in my garden.

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  2. I have the dwarf gaura planted on a berm along the dry riverbed in my rain garden. It's a very happy camper. Beautiful flowers!

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