Perennial
Whirling Butterflies Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri (syn. Gaura lindheimeri)
Airy flowers dancing on wiry stems June to frost. Constant motion, loose and elegant.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 2–4 ft tall × 24–36 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- White to pink butterfly-like flowers on wiry wands, late spring to frost
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Native to Texas and Louisiana
Why we recommend it
A Texas native whose airy wands of butterfly-like flowers dance all season on wiry stems, thriving in heat and drought with an exceptionally long bloom window.
Best regions: TexasFront RangeSouthern CaliforniaSouthwestHigh Desert
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first summer; its deep taproot makes it very drought tolerant afterward.
Pruning
Cut back by a third in midsummer if it gets leggy; cut to the ground in early spring.
Soil
Well-drained, not-too-rich soil. Wet winter clay shortens its life.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Whirling Butterflies Gaura from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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