Pruning gaura
Advice for October in the Netherlands
Gaura flowers for a long time on slender, moving stems. Leave old growth through winter and do the main tidy in spring; in summer, selectively remove spent parts only if desired. Months are guidelines for the Netherlands and Belgium; also assess growth, flowering and the weather forecast.
Gaura — October
Check this first
Leave sound old stems standing until spring; in the meantime remove only clearly rotten or damaged material. Keep healthy leaves, flowers and living shoots. Make the main cut in spring, once new growth is recognisable and hard frost has passed.
Pay attention to this
- Wait for spring and visible new growth before the main cut.
- Do not leave wet cuttings around the crown; drainage matters.
- Do not cut a young, weak or dried-out plant extra hard.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Gaura still the correct name?
- The botanical name is Oenothera lindheimeri; Gaura lindheimeri is the familiar older name.
- Can gaura be cut right down in October?
- For this calendar, reserve the main cut for spring. Retain healthy foliage and firm old growth for now.
- Must I remove every faded flower?
- No. Remove exhausted flowering branches only if desired; the same stems may still carry new buds.