Variety Profile
Creating a charming and distinctive display in your garden could not be simpler with the use of these elegant and hardy perennials! Long, arching stems bear masses of four-petalled flowers for an extensive period beginning in spring and continuing right through to winter. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner - G. 'Siskiyou Pink' and G. 'Siskiyou White' offer great rewards for minimal effort.
The unusual name 'Siskiyou' (pron. 'Sis-key-you') derives from a native American Indian name given to the range of mountains which straddles the border between southern Oregon and northern California, USA. Not native to this region, however, the name 'Siskiyou Pink' is derived from 'Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery' where the first pink seedling was discovered amongst a garden display of the white flowering parent plant, Gaura lindheimeri.
The genus (or 'family') name of Gaura stems form the Greek work meaning 'superb' whilst its common name of 'butterfly bush' refers to the four petalled flowers with long stamens which, when fluttering in a breeze, mimic the appearance of these delicate and attractive insects. Both names aptly describe the beauty of this unusual and versatile plant.
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Cultural Care
Gauras are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Choose a sunny location. They will tolerate a variety of soils from sandy to clay based although best performance will be achieved in well drained, moist and fertile soil. Cold and frost tolerant. Will grow in hot, dry conditions, however, mulching and occasional deep watering during extended dry periods is recommended.
Easy to prune - simply trim off up to halfo of the plant's overall size in early spring to promote flower production and to maintain a neat shape. An application of slow release fertiliser at the time of pruning would also be beneficial.
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Plant Uses
'Siskiyou' gauras are particularly suited to cottage style gardens due to thier loose and informal appearance but it can look just as at home in most garden styles when teamed up with other flowering perennials and ground covers. In mixed plantings choose plants which flower in white, shades of pink or purple as well as blues for a harmonious mix. If you prefer a bold and vibrant display go for colours that include deep blues and purples, crimson or dark reds with a little splash of white and/or bright yellow here and there to break up the overall effect making it less overwhelming.
When planting a mix of shrubs such as Gauras, lavenders, daisy bushes etc. be sure to read on the label the size the plant is expected to reach and ensure you have left enough room around the young plant for it to grow without encroaching on a neighbouring plant. Likewise you should consider the plants expected height as you do not want taller varieties to block the view of any shorter plants behind.
Even when you are aiming for a cottage garden where the charm lies in the subtle inter-weaving of plants, you must allow the initial planting of shrubs and perennials to grow to their full potential creating the backbone of your garden, and then fill the in-between spaces with smaller perennials, ground covers and annuals. Being a little patient and following these steps will ultimately give you more pleasing and effective results.
For added drama try planting small groups of two to three gaura plants around your garden to create impressive 'drifts' of flower.
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