Species gaura
white flowers with white-pink filaments, and green stems

gaura

Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'

Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' is an ornamental plant species that makes a remarkable addition to any garden. The tall stalks are lined with vibrant blooms resembling butterflies, which hover and flutter in the slightest breeze. Though it appears delicate, this plant is surprisingly sturdy and undemanding, flowering beginning in late spring until late summer. Drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, this flower is certain to be admired in any outdoor setting. With its striking color, mounding form and ability to attract pollinators, Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' is an impressive plant species, sure to bring beauty to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water gaura plants deeply and regularly during the growing season. They should be watered every 2-3 days during hot weather and every 4-5 days during cool weather. Make sure that the topsoil is saturated and then let it dry out before watering again. During the winter months, decrease watering to about once every week - 10 days. Both underwatering and overwatering can cause gaura to suffer, so make sure that the soil is kept lightly moist.

sunlight

Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' is a sun-loving plant that enjoys full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Ideally, the plant should receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a south- or west-facing window to maximize its exposure to sunlight. During the summer months, the plant should be shielded from the hottest afternoon sun to protect it from scorching. In the winter months, the plant can tolerate full sun, but a little afternoon shade will help the plant survive cold temperatures.

pruning

Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’) should be pruned as needed to maintain a desired shape. In early spring before new growth begins, you can prune back the plants by up to 1-third of their overall size. This type of pruning promotes re-blooming throughout the summer. Mid-summer pruning may also be necessary if the plants become leggy or unruly. If this type of pruning is needed, you can shear back up to half of the plants’ overall size. For late summer, minor pruning can be done to keep the shape of the plant intact for the following season. It is not advisable to prune in late fall or winter as this can impact the health of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' typically start flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map