Do you mean Gaura? Shouldn't be temperamental, but probably does better in the ground, rather than in a pot. Some species are only annual.

Gaura are from the Fuchsia family. I grow them at work and we're in a north east facing garden so it get's pretty cold in winter. They're not the hardiest thing in the world but this is how i get mine through.

They need a very well drained soil....they'll hate sitting in cold, wet soil all winter. I stuff loads of dry tree leaves around the crowns (other leaves are available lol)....don't cut back the top growth until around now, just like a fuchsia.

Also, don't give up on any plants which haven't started growing yet....they might just be late starters.

Good luck

Thanks Landgirl / Badfish, seems like you both plumb for the ground, will try and find a not to exposed spot on the sunnyside of the garden. hopefully third time lucky?
Thanks again both
Kev

I agree with the above. if you do grow it as a pot specimen treat it like a dahlia, in the autumn bring the pot under cover so it stays frost free. if its any consolation I couldn't get mine to overwinter in the ground!