Gaura, also known as wandflower or whirling butterfly, is a popular perennial valued for its airy, delicate blooms that appear to float above the foliage. This North American native plant, Oenothera lindheimeri, offers a long blooming season and informal elegance to garden settings. Propagating Gaura allows gardeners to multiply a favorite variety or grow new plants. The chosen method—division, cuttings, or seed—depends on the desired speed of growth and whether the new plant must be an exact clone of the parent. Each technique has specific timing and environmental needs for a successful outcome.
Multiplying Gaura Through Division
Division is the most straightforward method for quickly creating new, mature Gaura plants that are genetically identical to the parent. This technique is best performed in early spring as new growth emerges, or in the fall before the first hard frost. The parent must be well-established, typically three to five years old, to ensure a substantial root mass for separation.
Water the plant deeply the day before division to hydrate the roots and soften the soil. Use a sharp spade to dig a wide circle around the base, gently lifting the entire clump.
Gaura develops a long, fragile taproot, so careful handling is required during separation. Ensure each new division has foliage and a healthy portion of the root system, discarding any damaged or woody central growth. Replant the divisions immediately to prevent the roots from drying out.
Rooting Gaura from Stem Cuttings
Rooting Gaura from stem cuttings is the preferred method for ensuring new plants are true clones of specific named cultivars. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during the summer months, focusing on semi-hardwood or softwood growth. Select stems from the base of the plant that are green but firm, avoiding the thin, flowering tips.
Each cutting should be four to five inches long and include at least one leaf node, where roots will emerge. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem to prevent rotting in the medium. Dip the prepared base of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder or liquid.
Insert the cuttings into a sterile, well-draining medium, such as perlite and peat moss or coarse sand, to prevent fungal issues. Keep the medium consistently moist and place the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Creating a humid environment, such as covering the container, helps reduce moisture loss. Successful rooting is signaled by new growth, typically taking several weeks.
Growing Gaura from Seed
Starting Gaura from seed is a cost-effective way to produce many plants, though hybrid seedlings may show slight genetic variation. Gaura seeds require cold-moist stratification to break dormancy and encourage germination. This process can be simulated by refrigerating seeds mixed with a damp medium, like sand or vermiculite, for about 60 days before sowing.
Alternatively, sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall, allowing winter temperatures to complete stratification. For indoor starting, sow seeds in a sterile mix eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost. Barely cover the small seeds with the medium and keep them warm.
Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks if the soil remains evenly moist. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, carefully pot them into individual containers. These young plants need a robust root system before they are ready for outdoor planting.
Transplanting and Establishment Care
Before moving new Gaura plants outdoors, they must undergo hardening off. This gradual process acclimates young plants to outdoor conditions, including sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations, over seven to ten days. Start by placing them in a sheltered, shaded spot for a few hours daily, gradually increasing duration and sun exposure.
Select a permanent site with full sun exposure to promote sturdy growth and abundant flowering. The soil must be well-draining, ideally sandy or loamy, as Gaura is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. Since established Gaura is difficult to move, site selection should be considered permanent.
When transplanting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root system sits level with the surrounding soil. Minimize root disturbance, especially with seedlings and cuttings. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Newly established Gaura requires regular, deep watering during the first season to encourage root development. This should transition to infrequent watering once the plant is mature and drought-tolerant.