Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

The Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is one of those wonderful plant cases that change the history of a species. It was introduced itself as the first pure pink color flowers of Gaura (syn. Oenothera) variety, to the American breeder Baldassare Mineo, who distinguished it among a multitude of whites cultivated.

From that year until today, this particularly attractive variety of Gaura or Oenothera, ‘Siskiyou Pink’, continues to adorn gardens and landscapes, essentially bringing the species to the forefront of gardening and landscape architecture.

And as it settles in gardens, it not only attracts the human eye, but its exceptionally beautiful flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, contributing to the creation of a more natural environment, even in purely urban areas.

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

The main characteristics and some concise identities of the plant’s variety are given immediately below.

Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Oenothera
Scientific name: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’
Synonyms: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’
Common names: Gaura Siskiyou Pink, Pink Gaura, Lindheimer’s Clockweed, Indian Feather, Lindheimer’s Beeblossom
Plant breeder: Baldassare Mineo – Medford, Oregon, USA, 1994

This Gaura variety is suitable for:

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

Information about the origin of the ‘Siskiyou Pink’ variety leads us to Mr. Baldassare Mineo. He was the first to notice the plant with bright pink flowers as a natural mutation among the usual white-flowered Gauras he grew in his ‘Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery‘.

He reproduced it and gave it to the plant lovers back in 1994, essentially promoting the species from relatively rare to satisfactorily marketable, especially since several new varieties with particularly interesting characteristics were later introduced to the market by other nursery owners.

The Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is a a semi-woody perennial herbaceous plant. In relation to the typical species that is upright, it has a more spread form.

In terms of size, the height of the plant is as large as its diameter, ranging between 0.5 and 1.5 m (2-5 ft). It has a spherical shape, symmetrical canopy, with a rather irregular outline, is of a fine texture, while its foliage is dense, giving to the plant a compact appearance.

The dominant decorative feature is the abundance of pink flowers and, of course, its long flowering period, which often exceeds 120 to 150 days.

During flowering, it does not “bend” under the weight of the flowers, because although flowering is continuous, only a certain number of flowers open at a time.

However, this certain number is capable of creating—and indeed does create—a vivid color impression on the observer.

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

Normally we should suggest to the patient reader to take a look at the basic article about Gaura, since the main botanical features of Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ are little different from those of the typical species.

But we will not, because we would miss the opportunity to just easily repeat what has already been said.

Well, Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ develops from the base – its thick woody taproot – many shoots. Shoots carry the alternately arrangement and spathulate to oblong-oblanceolate shape simple leaves and some of them – the flowering stems – carry tetramerous flowers on open panicles, extremely attractive in pink color.

The flowers magnetize a multitude of insects, including butterflies, so that the whole sight brings euphoria and high emotions to the open to new observer experiences.

Flowering – we will not be tired of repeating but also enjoying it – it is abundant and long-lasting, ranging from 4 to 5 months, depending on climatic conditions.

It is also worth noting that, unlike the typical species, this variety does not self-seed, so its establishment does not involve any invasive risk.

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

The Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is of great interest not only for its flowers that atract and fasten the eyes, but also for the form and the texture of its foliage.

So its use in the garden and the landscape offers many choices of combinations that are not only limited to plant material but also open to the other structural or non environmental elements.

It could therefore be said that Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’:

• It combines very well with flat-crowned plants, which have horizontal stems like Juniperus horizontalis in front, and back with vertical stem or upright habit plants such as the Elaeaggnus x ebbingei hybrid, creating a smooth and attractive passage from the flat surface to the vertical
• Can be planted in the second or third row of mixed bordures.
• Planting in groups in the first row after the lawn creates an interesting color contrast during the flowering period
• It is easily set in Mediterranean-style gardens
• Can be planted in dry locals and xeriscapes
• Planting between herbaceous perrenials or shrubs with silver foliage creates interesting color contrast during flowering period
• Can be planted in rock gardens
• It is a plant suitable for large pots and gardens that are exposured in full sun places

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ – First Pure Pink Variety

With Pomp and Circumstance

The Extraordinary Gaura lindheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ Variety & the Extraordinary Guitarist Popa Chubby in ‘Hey Joe’

.