Plants for pollinators are one of our favourite things and not just for bees but for butterflies and moths too. Gaura is one of the rock stars in that collection attracting all of them but especially butterflies which is where it gets its common name, the Butterfly Bush from.

Where to plant them

Waterwise and hardy Gaura will grow in any soil conditions but does best in a compost rich soil. Their long wispy flowers dance in the wind adding texture and movement to the landscape which adds interest to the eye. In a mostly sunny to full sun spot they will make a great focal point planted a s a single or as a cluster grouped together.

The modern hybrids have been bred to be more compact but all of them flower continuous throughout summer. The big flush of flowers in late spring always catches stands out from the crowd.

Available in shades of pink as well as white they will suit and garden design. Although they are not indigenous they will compliment an indigenous design with their mature grassy look.

As a perennial they will last a few years in a garden setting as long as they get a bit of special treatment through early spring. To give them this boost cut them back as short as possible, give them a handful of BioOcean and a thick layer of compost as mulch. That’s all the feeding they need for the rest of the year.

We love the Gaura for its pollinator friendly way. By planting them you attract them to your garden and once they are there the pollinators find the veggies and more to pollinate which improves your gardens biodiversity and your summer veggie crop too!