Gaura lindheimeri “Whirling Butterflies”

White Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri “Whirling Butterflies”
Type: Perennial
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

“Graceful” is the word that comes to mind when describing this tough but delicate-looking, vase-shaped perennial from Texas and Louisiana. Upright growth to 3ft (90cm) tall and wide ends in branching flower spikes which bear distinctive white flowers that begin opening from bright red buds in late spring. The buds don’t all open at once though, which results in an exceptionally long bloom period, often extending into early fall. The slender leaves are fully green on this cultivar, but varieties with variegated or mottled foliage and pink foliage are also available.

Note: This guy is in the process of having a name change; it may be classified as “oenothera lindheimeri” in some places. Try “gaura” first, though.

Cheers,

John