Thursday 19 July 2012

In praise of Gaura

There's lots to admire in the various gardens and if the weather brightens up as forecast for next week, I have to make taking better photos a priority.

For now I am delighted with the way Gaura lindheimerii 'Whirling Butterflies' lightens up a dull day:



Gauras are shortlived perennials but some of mine have been going for at least five years. They can't be transplanted very easily because the don't have a fibrous root system but a long taproot. This is a bonus though because they manage to survive on very little water and are perfect for a dry & sunny border. They are also only borderline hardy yet I have only lost a couple in the small town garden last winter; the client had been warned about the short life expectancy and she loves this plant so much that she has gone for a straight replacement.

Gauras flower here from June to first frosts, gradually opening flowers from the bottom of the flowering stalk, giving a long and cheery display which is best admired in a slight breeze.


They come in pure white and shades of pink, but the white form is the one that sings loudest to me.


Hope your days are bright, too.

 

2 comments:

  1. This is a lovely flower, new to me. Here in NJ, the butterfly bushes,trumpet vines,salvia, hibiscus and a host of other flowers are creating a wonderful garden display IF you have irrigation. It has been soooooooooooooo hot, not fit for man nor beast!

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    Replies
    1. July is really rewarding, so much to admire from fruit & veg to flowers. We have gone from cold and wet to hot and dry in a matter of 48 hours and irrigation systems are difinitively the way forward here, too.

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