Gaura Calcicola Raven & Gregory - Texas Beeblossom

Overview

Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory, also known as Raven's gaura, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae. It is native to the United States, specifically in the western part of Texas.

Common Names

Raven’s gaura is also known by the common names of Raven's beeblossom or Raven's wand.

Appearance

The plant has a bushy and compact growth habit, growing up to 2 feet high and 2 feet wide. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and can grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are small and white, and bloom in the summer, lasting until fall. The flowers are held on tall stems that sway beautifully in the breeze, giving the plant its other common name of "wand" gaura.

Uses

Raven's gaura is a popular ornamental plant in landscaping and gardens. It is used as a bedding plant, in borders or in containers, and is drought-tolerant, making it a favorite in xeriscaping. It attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees, making it a great addition to any garden. The plant is also used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes.

Light Requirements

Gaura calcicola requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but flowering and overall growth may be reduced.

Temperature Requirements

Gaura calcicola prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost well. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-8, where temperatures typically range from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius during the winter months.

Soil Requirements

Gaura calcicola prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but prefers soils that are slightly moist and rich in nutrients. The plant is adapted to calcareous or basic soils, which have a high concentration of calcium carbonate.

Cultivation of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory

Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory is a striking perennial plant with delicate pink flowers that bloom during the summer months. This plant thrives best in well-drained soil with sufficient sunlight, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens, meadows, or other dry garden settings.

When planting this species, it's important to make sure the soil is aerated and has good drainage to avoid waterlogging. It's also recommended to plant them in groups to achieve maximum visual appeal. Spacing them 18-20 inches apart is recommended.

Watering Needs of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory

The watering requirements of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory depend on the level of rainfall in the area and the growing conditions. Established plants require less frequent watering than newly-planted ones, but they need regular watering during the hot, dry season to keep them hydrated.

A recommendation is to water the plant every week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soaked. Overwatering cannot be taken lightly- it can quickly lead to root rot and other serious problems.

Fertilization of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory

Fertilizing is optional for this species, as it can survive with minimal nutrient inputs. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring or early summer if you want to encourage growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.

Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as they promote leafy growth, resulting in big, floppy plants that don't stay upright on their stems. A low nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season is a good option for optimal success.

Pruning of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory

Another great aspect of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory is its minimal pruning requirements. The plant doesn't need cutting back very often, but you can do so to manage its size or improve its shape.

Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before the new foliage emerges. Use sterile pruning shears to snip off old or damaged stems and cut back up to a third of the entire plant to encourage healthy new growth.

Propagation of Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory

Gaura calcicola can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Both methods require careful attention to ensure successful propagation.

Propagation through Seeds

Seeds of Gaura calcicola are easy to collect and propagate. The best time to collect seeds is in the fall when the plant naturally disperses them. To propagate through seeds, follow these steps:

1. Collect the seeds in fall when the pods have dried out and are starting to crack open.
2. Remove the seeds from the pod and separate any debris or chaff.
3. Prepare a seed tray or container with well-draining soil mixture.
4. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down.
5. Lightly cover the seeds with soil mix and water with a gentle stream.
6. Place the seeds in a warm and bright location, out of direct sunlight.
7. Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet.
8. The seeds should germinate within 10 to 20 days.
9. Once the seedlings have developed a second set of leaves, they can be transplanted to bigger pots or directly into the ground.

Propagation through Cuttings

Propagation through cuttings is a reliable method to produce identical clones of the parent plant. To propagate through cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Take cuttings in early spring when the plant is putting out new growth.
2. Select healthy and disease-free stems that are at least 6 inches long.
3. Cut below a node with a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
4. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting.
5. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and tap off any excess.
6. Prepare a container with well-draining soil mix.
7. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or stick and insert the cutting.
8. Water thoroughly and cover the container with a plastic bag or dome to retain moisture and humidity.
9. Place the container in a warm and bright location, out of direct sunlight.
10. Mist the cutting regularly to keep the leaves hydrated and the soil moist but not wet.
11. After 4 to 6 weeks, the cutting should sprout new growth, indicating that root development has occurred.
12. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a bigger container or directly into the ground.

Disease Management

Gaura calcicola Raven & Gregory is generally hardy and not susceptible to many diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by fungal infections, particularly in warm and humid conditions. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are:

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Gaura calcicola. It causes small brown/black spots to appear on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves from the plant and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the disease. The application of a copper-based fungicide can also be effective in controlling leaf spot.

Root Rot

Root rot can be a serious problem for Gaura calcicola, especially in poorly draining soil. This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots, causing the plant to wilt, yellow and eventually die. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage if necessary. Fungicide treatments can also be helpful in managing root rot.

Pest Management

Gaura calcicola is not generally affected by pests, but it can be susceptible to infestation by some common garden pests. The most common pests that can affect this plant are:

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and stipple. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to wash the leaves with a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests. In severe cases, the application of an insecticidal soap or oil can be effective in controlling spider mites.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, flying insects that can quickly multiply, infesting the leaves of Gaura calcicola and causing them to yellow and curl. To manage whiteflies, it is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any affected leaves. The application of a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be effective in controlling whiteflies. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to monitor and reduce whitefly populations.