types of gaura

Popular Types of Gaura for New Zealand Gardens

Gaura boasts a range of varieties, each offering unique colour palettes and growth habits. Below, we highlight some of the most beloved and widely available types of gaura to inspire your planting plans.

Gaura Whirling Butterflies

Renowned for its pure white, butterfly-like flowers, Gaura Whirling Butterflies creates a striking display from spring through autumn. Its long, airy stems sway beautifully in the breeze, making it a fantastic filler in mixed perennial beds. This variety thrives in a sunny position and is highly drought-tolerant, making it a favourite for low-maintenance or waterwise gardens.

Gaura Alba

Gaura Alba is another elegant white-flowering type, with finely textured foliage and tall, branching stems. The abundance of starry white blooms appears from late spring and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Gaura Alba blends beautifully with ornamental grasses and other perennials for a soft, naturalistic effect.

Gaura Rainbow Petite

For splashes of pink and white, Gaura Rainbow Petite is an excellent choice among different types of gaura. Compact and densely branched, this variety is perfect for containers, small borders, or mass plantings. It provides months of colour with its two-toned blooms and is renowned for its neat, manageable size.

Gaura Steffi Blush Pink

Gaura Steffi Blush Pink features soft blush-pink flowers that lend a romantic touch to the garden. It is more compact than some classic gaura varieties, making it suitable for smaller spaces or for planting near the front of borders where its airy performance can shine. Steffi Blush Pink is remarkably resilient and keeps blooming well into autumn.

Gaura 'Red Monarch'

If you’re seeking crimson tones, Gaura 'Red Monarch' offers striking deep red-pink blooms that stand out among traditional whites and softer pinks. This variety works well as a bold accent in mixed plantings and brings lasting colour to garden beds, especially when paired with silver foliage plants.

Choosing and Growing the Right Types of Gaura

When choosing from the many types of gaura, consider your garden’s sunlight, soil conditions, and design goals. Gaura loves full sun and free-draining soils. Most types of gaura are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for New Zealand’s variable climate. They combine beautifully with lavenders, salvias, and ornamental grasses.

Browse our selection online to explore individual gaura varieties such as Gaura Rainbow Petite, Gaura Alba, Gaura Steffi Blush Pink, Gaura Whirling Butterflies, and Gaura 'Red Monarch' to find the perfect match for your landscape. With their long-lasting blooms and easy care, these types of gaura will brighten your garden season after season.