Gaura lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink'
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BEE BLOSSOM
Family: Onagraceae
Pronounced: GOR-uh lind-HY-mer-eye
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2B-24.
USDA zones: 6-9.
Mature size:
Height: 2-2½ feet (60-76 cm) .
Width: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).
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Flowering attributes: Deep maroon buds that open to pink flowers.
Leaf attributes: Green leaves mottled with maroon edgings on red stems.
Growth habit: Clump forming.
Light: Full sun, but tolerates light shade.
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed at temperatures of 68ºF (20ºC); if no germination in 3-4 weeks, move to temperatures of 24-39ºF (-4 to +4ºC) for 2-4 weeks. Or sow seed and place in cold frame over the winter. | Basal or softwood cuttings in spring. | Doesn't divide well since it is tap-rooted.
Pruning Methods: Dead head spent flowers to increase flower production. Sheer back during the growing season to keep compact and it will bloom again in a few weeks.
Rainy Side Notes
In 1994 Baldassare Mineo from Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery introduced this beautiful pink-flowering gaura. Found as a sport, G. 'Siskiyou Pink' is now the parent of new exciting hybrids such as 'Passionate Pink' Mineo himself bred; and Gaura lindheimeri. 'Blushing Butterflies', 'Sunny Butterflies', and 'Crimson Butterflies' Pat. PP13189 bred by Howard Bentley of Plant Growers Australia.
Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink' is a wonderful carefree perennial that should be in every perennial garden. Drought tolerant once established because of its deep tap root. Sight it carefully as it won't do well with transplanting like most tap-rooted plants. The bees and butterflies flock to this plant with flowers that look like a butterfly itself. I enjoy mine draping over a rock wall.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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