What they do
Beeblossoms provide a long run of small, nectar-friendly flowers that keep pollinators checking in.
Plant profile
Gaura / beeblossoms
Genus Oenothera (sect. Gaura)
Gaura (beeblossoms) are airy, long-blooming wildflowers with wand-like stems and small, fluttery flowers that keep pollinators visiting. They’re a great choice for sunny beds, borders, and large containers where you want movement and a light, natural look.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Gaura / beeblossoms
Aliases
Gaura
Native Range
North America (varies by species within the group)
Bloom window
Long-blooming through the warm season
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Beeblossoms (often called gaura) are a go-to plant when you want a long season of light, fluttery flowers without a heavy, bulky look. Their blooms open along tall stems over time, so the plant can keep producing fresh flowers through much of the warm season.
In a pollinator-friendly garden, beeblossoms work well as a “connector” plant—something that keeps a steady trickle of blooms available while other plants take turns being the main show. They also fit nicely into small spaces: a single plant in a large container can still add meaningful flower power.
For best results, prioritize sun and drainage. If the soil stays wet, the plant may struggle. Once established, beeblossoms generally do better with a lighter hand on watering. If you want a tidier look or more repeat blooming, a quick trim after a big flush of flowers can help.
If pests show up, avoid broad sprays that can harm helpful insects. Start with simple steps like rinsing pests off with water, removing heavily affected stems, and improving airflow by giving the plant a bit more space.
Best role for pollinators
Sunny borders, pollinator patches, and containers where you want a light, airy look
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Gaura |
| Bloom window | Long-blooming through the warm season |
| Typical height | Medium to tall, with airy stems |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Sun; average to dry-ish soil once established |
| Best roles for pollinators | Sunny borders, pollinator patches, and containers where you want a light, airy look |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Sun and well-drained soil, plus a little space so air can move through the stems.
One best action
Give them a sunny, well-drained spot and avoid overwatering.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
A long-blooming wildflower like beeblossom can help keep your garden’s “flower supply” going through the warm season, which is especially helpful in small spaces where every plant needs to do more than one job.
Beeblossoms often look like they’re in motion—flowers open along tall stems, creating a light, fluttery effect in even a gentle breeze.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Long-blooming plants help fill gaps when other flowers pause.
- Small, frequent blooms can be useful in mixed gardens where pollinators move from plant to plant.
- Their open, airy shape adds flowers without blocking sightlines or crowding neighbors.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Look for a tall, slender plant with many buds and small flowers spaced along wand-like stems.
Leaves
Leaves are generally narrow to medium and sit along the stems; overall the plant looks light and not densely leafy.
Flowers
Small, four-petaled flowers spaced along tall stems; many buds open gradually over time.
Fruits
After flowering, small seed structures may form along the stems.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open, sunny areas
- Well-drained soils
- Prairie- and meadow-like settings
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch plantings
- Sunny borders and cottage-style gardens
- Meadow-inspired beds
- Large containers (as a tall, airy “thriller” plant)
- Filling gaps between sturdier perennials without adding visual bulk
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Beeblossoms are valued for their long bloom window, with flowers opening in succession.
Bloom Season Role: A steady source of small blooms over a long stretch of the season
Seasonal benefits
- Keeps some flowers available even when other plants finish
- Pairs well with early and late bloomers to extend overall garden interest
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Best in full sun; part sun can work but may reduce flowering and make stems lean.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is key. If your soil stays wet, improve drainage or choose a raised spot.
Moisture needs
Water to establish, then let the soil dry a bit between waterings. In containers, water when the top layer dries out.
Planting method
Plant where it has room to sway without being smothered by heavier plants. Give it a little space for airflow.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch layer if needed, but keep mulch from piling against the crown to avoid staying too damp.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Choose a sunny spot with good drainage (or a large pot with drainage holes).
- Loosen the soil and mix in a little compost if your soil is very poor, keeping the overall texture well-drained.
- Plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot and water in well.
- Add a thin mulch layer if desired, leaving a small gap around the base of the plant.
- Water regularly for the first few weeks, then reduce as the plant settles in.
Seasonal care
- Deadhead lightly (or shear back a little) to encourage more blooms and keep the plant tidy.
- Stake only if needed; many gardeners prefer letting it move naturally.
- Cut back at the end of the season or in early spring, depending on your garden style.
- Divide or refresh clumps if they get sparse over time (timing depends on your local conditions).
What not to do
- Planting in a low spot where water collects.
- Overwatering once the plant is established.
- Too much shade from nearby plants.
- Using broad-spectrum pesticides when pests appear.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Spring bulbs
- Early-blooming native wildflowers
Mid-Season Bloom
- Coneflowers
- Salvias
- Yarrow
Late-Season Bloom
- Asters
- Goldenrods
- Late-blooming sedums
“Gaura” is a common garden name, but many plants sold as gaura are now classified within Oenothera (section Gaura). Labels may use either name.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few helpful terms you might see on plant tags or garden guides:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.