- WHIRLING BUTTERFLIES Gaura lindheimeri

Characteristics  Common Name: Whirling Butterflies  Bloom Description: White  Type: Perennial  Sun: Full sun  Native Range: Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas  Water: Medium  Zone: 5 to 9  Maintenance: Medium  Height: 3.00 to 5.00 feet  : Showy  Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet  Attracts: Bees, Butterfies  Bloom Time: August to October  Texas Native

Culture

Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Good drainage is essential. A tap-rooted which tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. Remove spent flower spikes to prolong bloom period. Thin flower stems tend to become leggy and flop, particularly when grown in rich soils, and can benefit from close planting or support from adjacent perennials. Plants (particularly those which typically grow tall) may be cut back in late spring by 1/2 to control size. May self- if spent flower stems are left in place in the fall. Noteworthy Characteristics

Gaura lindheimeri, commonly called gaura, is an herbaceous clump-forming perennial that is native to Texas and Louisiana. It grows to as much as 5' tall on stems clad with spoon-shaped to lanceolate leaves (to 3" long). Pinkish buds along wiry, erect, wand-like stems open to white which slowly fade to pink. In the breeze these flowers move constantly, looking like a cloud of small butterflies. Flowers appear in long, open, terminal panicles and open only a few at a time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stemless leaves (1-3" long) are occasionally spotted with maroon.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in heavy and/or poorly drained soils. Rust and powdery mildew may also occur. Watch for aphids, whitefly and flea beetles.

Garden Uses

Effective in sunny borders. Best in groups or massed. May be grown in containers. Best in wildflower or native plant gardens where they can be allowed to sprawl and naturalize.

Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder