Gaura Whirling Butterflies

Plant name: Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’
Scientific name: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ (syn. Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’)

Plant description:
Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is a long-blooming perennial known for its airy structure and continuous motion in the garden. Slender, branching stems rise above a compact clump of foliage, creating a soft, transparent layer that blends easily into mixed plantings. This cultivar adds height without visual heaviness, making it useful in naturalistic landscapes, pollinator gardens, and modern perennial borders where texture and movement are key design elements.

Flower description:
Delicate white flowers with a faint blush open along tall, wiry stems, resembling small butterflies hovering above the plant. Blooming begins in late spring and continues into fall, with flowers appearing in succession along each stem. The light, floating effect softens surrounding plantings and provides a long-lasting source of nectar for pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves form a low basal clump and are narrow, lance-shaped, and lightly textured. The foliage maintains a subtle presence, allowing the flowering stems to remain the primary visual feature. New growth emerges from the crown throughout the season, helping the plant maintain a fresh appearance during extended bloom periods.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Herbaceous perennial; typically deciduous with seasonal dieback in colder climates.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 5–9.

Mature height and width:
Typically grows 24–36 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide, forming an upright, loosely branched habit.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for pollinator-friendly plantings, prairie-style gardens, and mixed perennial borders where a soft, flowing look is desired. Works well along pathways, interplanted with ornamental grasses, or as a light filler between more structured shrubs and perennials. Suitable for containers when paired with plants that provide strong visual anchors.

Native range:
Derived from a species native to central and southern North America.

Sun exposure:
Requires full sun for best flowering and strong stem development. Adequate light helps maintain a compact form and continuous bloom production.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil with moderate watering during establishment. Once established, plants tolerate periods of dryness but perform best with occasional deep watering during extended heat.

Pests and problems:
Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Overly fertile soil or excessive watering can lead to weak, floppy growth. Ensuring good drainage and avoiding heavy fertilization supports a more upright habit.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs reliably in bright sun and warm conditions, maintaining flowering through the peak of the growing season. Good airflow helps prevent stress during humid weather.

Cold tolerance:
Hardy within its recommended zones. Above-ground growth typically dies back after frost, with new shoots emerging from the crown as temperatures rise in spring.

Growing tips:
Plant in lean, well-drained soil to encourage sturdy stems and prolonged flowering. Light trimming during the season can stimulate fresh blooms while maintaining a balanced shape. Allow space around the plant so its natural, airy form can move freely without crowding. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring supports steady growth without encouraging excessive foliage.

---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.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

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.