Whirling Butterflies for the Garden 

For many years whirling butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri) has been a dependable perennial. Best suited to midborder where its sparse base can be covered with plants of more solid substance, it provides a gauzy, light-hearted rendition of dancing ballerinas. Bumblebees love it, and in early morning when they are at work the plants are a study in motion. The heavy bumblebees light on the tall flower spikes causing them to dip and wave in the early morning sunlight as the bees go about their business. 

Gaura provides a continuous parade of airy flowers that open from pink buds and drop off cleanly when spent. Flowers open from the bottom of the stalk and progress to the top. Individual flowers may shrivel by noon in the hot summer sun, but new flowers emerge the next morning to replace them.

Recently, new cultivars have been introduced to the market that far outshine the old gauras that we have grown for years. Introduced by Proven Winners, the Stratosphere™ series comes in pink and white. These plants have the same type of flowers as their older cousins, but they grow a mere 12-16 inches tall instead of 3-4 feet tall. This smaller size makes them better suited for most flower borders, and they are an excellent “thriller” in a container grouping.

Culture

Gaura thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and blooms best in full sun. Carrotlike tap roots can reach deep into the earth for moisture. Plant it and water well until it becomes established, and then leave it alone.  

Propagation is from cuttings taken when the plants are blooming. Take a cutting, remove the blossoms, and stick it in a moist medium until it strikes roots. Also, new plants spring up readily around the mother plant where seeds fall, and these may be dug and relocated. 

As summer progresses, gaura benefits from a substantial pruning. It grows back, however, for another show almost equal to the spring blooms. Aphids sometimes line up on the stems, and these may be washed off with a stream of water from the hose. If that seems ineffective, try spraying the infested stems with insecticidal soap.  

Other Facts 

Gaura lindeheimeri ‘Siskiyou Pink’ is a cultivar whose flowers are reliably pink and attractive in early spring. A variegated form, ‘Corrie’s Gold’, is also available.

Gaura is resistant to deer, and it attracts butterflies to the garden. Although it appears delicate, don’t let it fool you. It is as tough as nails and will provide years of carefree beauty. Give it plenty of sun, water during periods of drought, and give it a solid background against which to shine. Your efforts will be amply rewarded.

At a Glance

Scientific name: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Gaudpin’ marketed as G.  l.  Stratosphere™

Common name: Whirling butterflies, wand flower

Origin: Louisiana, Texas, Mexico

Family: Onagraceae (evening primrose family)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10 (Hardy to -25°F)

Size: 12-16 inches tall

Cultural preferences: Full sun, well-drained soil

Tolerances: Heat, drought; protect from salt spray

Of interest: Deer resistant, attracts butterflies

Click here for a list of plants in archives.