Overview
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is a species of flowering plants in the Onagraceae family. It is native to California, Arizona, and Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Scarlet gaura or Scarlet wand flower. In Spanish, it is called "Hierba de la flecha."
Appearance
Scarlet gaura is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3ft tall and 2ft wide. It has erect, branched stems with lance-shaped leaves up to 4in long. The leaves are green on the upper side and purple on the lower side. The plant produces showy flowers on long stalks. The flowers are deep red and tubular, with four petals arranged in a cross shape around a yellow center. The flowers bloom from late spring to fall.
Uses
Scarlet gaura is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it is commonly used in landscaping and garden design. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and cottage gardens. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which makes it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Scarlet gaura is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, respiratory issues, and skin conditions.
Light Requirements
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is a sun-loving plant that requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best suited for areas that receive full sun, or only partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California, where it thrives in warm climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but temperatures above 30°C (86°F) may cause the plant to wilt. Ideal temperatures for this plant are between 21-29°C (70-84°F).
Soil Requirements
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz prefers well-draining and rich soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5-7.5. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage.
Water Requirements
This plant is drought-tolerant once established. However, it still requires regular watering during the first year of growth to establish its root system. Water the plant deeply once a week and avoid watering its leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and droop.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizing Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is optional, but it can promote faster growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the spring and summer growing seasons. Apply the fertilizer according to its package instructions and water the plant deeply afterward.
Cultivation Methods
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in early spring. If propagating by seed, the seeds should be sowed directly into the garden soil in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Being a drought-tolerant plant, Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz does not require frequent watering. It is important to keep the soil around the plant moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season. After the plant has established, deep watering once a week is enough to keep it healthy.
Fertilization
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it may require fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Before planting, mix a slow-release granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, into the soil. During the growing season, a liquid fertilizer, like a 15-30-15, can be applied every two to three weeks, but be careful not to over-fertilize as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is not necessary, except to remove any dead or damaged stems. The plant may also benefit from a light pruning in late fall or early spring, where the stems are cut back to just above the ground. This will help promote healthy growth the following season and encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation Methods for Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz, commonly known as scarlet beeblossom, can be propagated by various methods, including seed and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz can be propagated through seeds in the fall. The seeds are small and should be sown in flats, trays, or individual containers. These should be kept in a warm and bright area until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about one to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz can also be propagated by stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with a few leaves attached. Cut the stem just below a node and remove any lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert it in a well-drained potting soil. Cover the container with plastic and keep in a warm area with bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in about four to six weeks and can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz
Gaura coccinea Nutt. ex Pursh var. epilobioides (Kunth) Munz is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Onagraceae. Although generally resistant to pests and diseases, it can still be affected by some diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can occur on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Gaura coccinea. It appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, it is recommended to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. Infected plants can be treated with fungicides such as neem oil or copper-based sprays.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves of Gaura coccinea. Rust can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and avoiding overhead watering. Infected plants can be treated with fungicides such as neem oil or copper-based sprays.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can damage the foliage and stems of Gaura coccinea. They can be usually seen on the undersides of leaves. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with water or neem oil. Predatory insects such as ladybugs can also be released to control the aphids.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies that can defoliate Gaura coccinea. Handpicking caterpillars or spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help control the infestation.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from the leaves of Gaura coccinea, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Regularly misting the plant can help prevent spider mites. Infected plants can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these tips, you can manage the diseases and pests that affect Gaura coccinea and promote its healthy growth.
