Although it produces semi-woody stems during the growing season, Gaura is considered an herbaceous perennial and will typically dieback to the root crown or a basal rosette of foliage in winter. It is very particular about drainage and heavy or very damp soils in winter can result in it not reappearing again in spring. Otherwise, it is moderately cold hardy - zone 5.

You are absolutely right! I love this forum. Thank you to both gardeners for your help! I am totally unfamiliar with this plant. I googled information and it seems that full sun encourages flowers for Weigela. My plant has had only 2-3 hidden clusters of flowers all season. I saw some shrubs which were totally covered in flowers on another website. I'd LOVE to see that happen in my yard. As it is, it is almost boring enough to take out and discard. This plant is on the NW side of my home where it only receives morning sun due to shading, etc. It also receives the lions share of bitter wind during winter- if that matters. Do you think that moving it to FULL SUN is enough to encourage blooms? I will fertilize. Do you have any other advice for nurturing it to its best? Thank you again in advance!

Thanks...that's definitely it :-)

Thanks for the replies. Embothrium, I should have said it looks like a Viburnum to me, but I don't know anything. Ken, I didn't see any thorns, but I will get a closer look at lunch. I was worried about the heavy dew and poison ivy everywhere and wasn't getting too close. I have seen wild rose bushes, but have never seen them flower. Wasn't expecting the flowers to look like that.