Plants Management Australia Pty Ltd

In earlier times their sprawling and somewhat untidy habits meant they were almost exclusively utilised in mixed perennial borders where they could weave their impressive floral display through supporting neighbouring plants or shrubs but in the past few years we have been fortunate enough to have the introduction of a selection of cultivars that added new flower colours such as the popular G. 'Siskiyou Pink' as well as those with dwarf habits and/or ornamental foliage (see G. 'Crimson Butteflies').

The PASSIONATE range of Gauras, however, now offer us that keenly sought upright, erect form which not only keeps a tall dense habit but also retains a neat appearance throughout the winter months.

The prolific display of pink flowers are borne on shorter than usual stems and will add colour to garden borders for an extensive season with main flushes occurring during the warmer months although spot flowering may also occur during winter months. The dense, upright habit coupled with burgundy colouring in the new growth makes G. 'Passionate Blush' and G. 'Passionate Pink' terrific specimen shrubs as well as offering the potential for creating an eye-catching, informal hedge.

G. 'Passionate Rainbow' also offers ornamental foliage but differs in that foliage is variegated giving a more 'golden' appearance. All are easy to grow and require little maintenance for a great and lasting show!

The most immediate application which comes to mind when viewing this vibrantly coloured plant is its charming presence for the traditional cottage style garden where it can casually intermingle with other 'frothing' perennials in a border for that romantic ambience often sought after. This is not to say that it cannot just as easily be incorporated into simpler schemes for those limited in time. Also a particularly good choice for water wise gardens. A particularly striking garden feature that could be achieved using these robust performers would be an informal hedge which, when in flower, would be hard to upstage! PASSIONATE range Gauras could also be grown in a large size container or tub for inner city gardens or paved areas.

CULTURAL CARE

Gauras are easy and fast to grow. They tolerate a wide range of soils from sandy to clay based although performs best in a well drained, moist and fertile soil. Cold and frost tolerant. Will grow in hot, dry conditions, however, mulching and occasional deep watering during extended dry periods is recommended. Easy to prune - simply trim off up to half of the plants overall size in early spring to promote flower production and to maintain a neat shape. A light prune to remove spent flower stems in mid summer can extend flowering into winter. An application of slow release fertiliser during early spring would also be beneficial.