Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' is a graceful long blooming perennial known for its delicate white flowers that dance on slender stems like fluttering insects. Brings movement, airiness, and a pollinator friendly presence to mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to frost
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soils; avoids heavy clay
Watering Needs: Low once established; prefers dry to medium moisture levels
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Gaura lindheimeri, a species native to southern North America, particularly Texas and Louisiana. It is widely cultivated for ornamental use.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Ladies, Common Buckeyes, and Sulphurs with its abundant nectar rich blooms.
Bees
- Visited by native solitary bees and bumblebees throughout the long blooming season, especially in dry, sunny gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow air circulation and maintain their airy, fountain like habit.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny borders, xeriscapes, cottage gardens, and pollinator habitats. Adds vertical movement and texture to mixed perennial beds.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Adds strong structure and pink blooms that pair naturally with Gaura’s white flowers.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Complements Gaura in drought tolerant borders with aromatic foliage and purple flowers.
- Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' - Adds dark foliage and early blooms that transition beautifully into Gaura’s long bloom season.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Offers upright purple spikes that contrast with the light, fluttery Gaura blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright yellow mounds of fine foliage and daisy blooms provide long blooming color contrast.