Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ (Gaura)

Description

Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ is a graceful, long-flowering perennial known for its white blooms edged in soft pink. To help Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ thrive in your garden, follow this detailed planting and aftercare guide designed to support strong growth, abundant flowers, and long-term plant health.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This gives the roots time to establish ahead of the flowering season.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn allows it to settle before entering dormancy, promoting vigorous regrowth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ performs best in full sun, where it will produce the highest number of flowers and maintain its upright, airy structure.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil for Oenothera. Incorporate compost or organic matter if needed to improve structure and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. This gives Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ room to spread its roots.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost to boost fertility and drainage.
3. Planting: Set the plant into the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm into place.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, ensuring good contact and early establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Oenothera is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during extended dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: Water sparingly during dormancy. Provide moisture only if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support fresh growth and encourage bud formation.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed mid-season can help Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ continue flowering through late summer.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and keep your Oenothera looking fresh.
• Autumn Cut-Back: After the final blooms fade, cut back the stems to ground level to prepare the plant for its dormant period.

Mulching

• Spring: Mulch around the base of your Oenothera to conserve moisture, discourage weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
  • Winter: A light mulch layer offers additional root protection during colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ typically holds its shape well, but in exposed sites, light staking may help support its tall, slender stems.

Final Tips

Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’ is a beautifully reliable perennial that brings movement and colour to borders, gravel gardens, and containers. By planting it in full sun and well-drained soil, and by following this care routine, this Oenothera will reward you with months of delicate, fluttering blooms from late spring to early autumn.

RHS Details

See more Oenothera from Proctors