Gaura Freefolk Rosy

Gaura Freefolk Rosy

Why Buy Me?

• Attractive, variegated foliage
• Long lasting colour

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun. Requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and compact growth. In part shade, plants may become leggy and flower less prolifically.

Soil:
Well-drained soil. Prefers light, sandy, or loamy soils with moderate fertility. Avoid heavy clay or overly rich soils, which can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Exposure:
Best grown in an open, sunny site. Handles heat, wind, and coastal exposure well. May need some shelter in colder regions to protect roots in winter.

Drought Tolerance:
High. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions very well. Ideal for low-water gardens. However, benefits from occasional watering during prolonged droughts for continued flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after frost danger has passed or in early autumn in mild climates, allowing roots to establish before extreme temperatures.

Spacing:
Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart. Grows to approximately 60–75 cm (24–30 inches) in height with a spread of around 45 cm (18 inches), forming an airy, upright clump.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, water only during dry spells. Avoid overwatering. Feed sparingly in spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed—overfeeding can reduce flowering and cause floppiness.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply a light mulch in spring to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Cut back hard in late autumn or early spring to rejuvenate growth and maintain a tidy form. Can also be lightly trimmed in midsummer if stems become unruly.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. May self-seed in ideal conditions, but cultivars like 'Freefolk Rosy' may not come true from seed.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New growth emerges with attractive variegated green and cream foliage. Plants begin to form a loose, upright habit.

Summer:
Profuse blooming begins in early summer, featuring pink buds that open into soft white and blush-pink flowers on long, wiry stems. Flowering continues for months, often until frost. Airy and delicate in appearance, yet durable.

Autumn:
Blooms continue into autumn. Foliage may develop pink or reddish tints as temperatures cool. Adds movement and texture to late-season plantings.

Winter:
Herbaceous perennial—dies back in winter in most climates. In warmer zones, may remain semi-evergreen. Cut back dead growth in early spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

Garden Use:
Excellent in sunny borders, prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, and containers. Offers long-lasting colour and movement. Works well in modern or informal designs. Especially effective when planted in drifts or repeated through a planting scheme.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with Salvia, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Achillea, Verbena Bonariensis, ornamental grasses (like Pennisetum or Panicum), and Lavender. Complements both warm and cool colour palettes.