
LIFE CYCLE
Perennial
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Pollinator friendly blooms
GROWTH HABIT
Airy clumping
BLOOM SEASON
Spring summer autumn
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Not edible
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open Pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Flowering Plant
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
Not applicable
PLANT HEIGHT
60–100 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full Sun
WATER NEEDS
Low moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
5–9
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
40–50 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
Surface sow
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well drained soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gaura commonly called "bee blossom"?
Why is Gaura commonly called "bee blossom"?
Its airy, nectar-rich flowers are a strong draw for bees, and the plant is also sometimes called "whirling butterflies" for its fluttering bloom movement.
What does bee blossom's flower display look like in the wind?
What does bee blossom's flower display look like in the wind?
Its slender stems hold small, butterfly-like blooms that flutter and sway readily in light breezes, giving a graceful, airy movement.
Are bees genuinely drawn to bee blossom flowers?
Are bees genuinely drawn to bee blossom flowers?
Yes, its abundant, easily accessible blooms make it a reliable nectar source for bees throughout a long summer bloom period.
How drought-tolerant is bee blossom once established?
How drought-tolerant is bee blossom once established?
Very tolerant — it handles heat and dry spells well, needing less frequent watering than many bedding perennials.
How is bee blossom typically used in garden design?
How is bee blossom typically used in garden design?
Its airy, see-through habit suits naturalized borders, gravel gardens, and mixed perennial beds where movement and texture are desired.
Does bee blossom need cutting back to stay tidy?
Does bee blossom need cutting back to stay tidy?
Cutting back leggy stems mid-season or in early spring encourages fresh, bushier growth and continued flowering.