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Gaura

Gaura lindheimeri

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1 gallon; 3 gallon

Gaura

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Whirling Butterflies – Oenothera lindheimeri (pink variety)
Synonym: Gaura lindheimeri
Also known as: Pink Gaura, Pink Beeblossom, Appleblossom Grass

Gaura is an open, vase-shaped perennial with gracefully arching branches that spread in many directions. The foliage is deep green in summer, transitioning to vibrant shades of red, gold, or purple in fall—adding seasonal interest to your garden. Its delicate, four-petaled flowers bloom sporadically with only a few open at a time. These blooms unfurl early in the morning and continue to appear as the flower stalks grow, creating a continuous display throughout much of the growing season. In a breeze, the blossoms flutter like a cloud of small butterflies, giving rise to one of its common names: Whirling Butterflies.

This plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers sandy, loamy, well-drained soils. Good drainage is essential, as it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Once established, it can handle heat, humidity, and periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for hot, dry climates like ours. Gaura is perfect for sunny borders and looks most effective when planted in groups or massed. It also grows well in containers, where it adds a light, airy texture to patios or decks. It’s particularly well-suited for wildflower or native plant gardens, where it can sprawl and naturalize, creating a soft, naturalistic effect.

The thin flower stems can become leggy, especially in rich soils. Close planting or support from neighboring perennials can help prevent flopping. For size control, taller plants can be cut back by half in the fall or early spring. The plant may also self-seed if flower stems are left intact, offering a natural way to expand your garden. As a tap-rooted plant, Gaura is especially resilient in challenging conditions, making it a valuable addition to low-maintenance landscapes. Its tolerance for high heat and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soils make it an ideal choice for desert gardens.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist pollinators including honey bees (Apis mellifera), native bees, and butterflies including Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Bird Resources: Insects; Nectar
Bird Species: Hummingbirds (family Trochilidae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low; Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Pink

Flower season:

Fall; Winter; Spring

Pruning:

Plants (particularly those that typically grow tall) may be cut back in fall or early spring by 1/2 to control size.

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.