Gaura White - Indian Feather Whirling Butterflies Steffi

Gaura lindheimeri 'Steffi' (also known as White Indian Feather Whirling Butterflies 'Steffi') is a compact, floriferous perennial prized for its delicate, butterfly-like flowers and graceful, airy appearance. This variety is a smaller version of the classic Gaura and features soft pink blooms on long, arching stems.

 Plant Description:

- Foliage: The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and medium green with occasional reddish or bronze tones, particularly on younger growth. The foliage forms a compact mound at the base of the plant.

- Flowers: 'Steffi' produces masses of small, pale pink flowers with four petals, resembling butterflies in flight. The flowers bloom on long, slender, upright stems from late spring to early fall, providing a long season of interest.

- Growth Habit: Compact and clump-forming with an airy, graceful habit. The plant's stems are thin and flexible, giving it a delicate, wispy appearance. It is shorter and denser than other Gaura varieties, making it ideal for smaller gardens or containers.

 Growing Conditions:

- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 6-9.

- Height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

- Width: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates. Full sun will encourage the best flowering and more compact growth.

- Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil is preferred. Gaura 'Steffi' can tolerate poorer soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Avoid heavy, wet soils that can lead to root rot.

- Watering: Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, thriving even in dry conditions.

 Planting and Care Tips:

- Planting Time: Plant in spring or fall. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.

- Spacing: Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

- Fertilization: 'Steffi' doesn't require much fertilizer. A light feeding of balanced fertilizer in spring can encourage healthy growth, but too much fertilization can make the plant leggy.

- Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowers and keep the plant looking tidy. In early spring, cut back the stems to about 6 inches (15 cm) to encourage fresh, bushy growth.

- Winter Care: In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter. In warmer regions, it can remain evergreen.

 Uses:

- Borders and Edging: The compact size and long flowering season make 'Steffi' ideal for borders and garden edges. Its graceful flowers bring lightness and movement to the garden.

- Containers: It is perfect for container planting, where its compact form can be showcased. It adds a delicate charm to patios and balconies.

- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

- Xeriscaping and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Once established, 'Steffi' thrives in dry conditions, making it a great choice for water-wise or xeriscape gardens.

- Meadow and Prairie Gardens: Its natural, wild appearance is suited to meadow and prairie-style plantings, where it can mix easily with ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials.

 Native Range:

Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) is native to the south-central United States, particularly in Texas and Louisiana. It thrives in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands, which explains its adaptability to hot, dry, and well-drained environments.

 

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.