Gaura, Oenothera lindheimeri, is an herbaceous perennial species that grows 15 to 60 inches tall and spreads up to 36 inches in dense, basal clumps. Also known as beeblossom, butterfly flower, wand flower, and whirling butterflies, the long, wiry flower stems continue to elongate as they grow. Today I turn my attention to a perennial bearing the scientific name Oenothera lindheimeri, commonly known as “whirling butterflies”, among other names.

Context Explanation

Its previous genus was actually Guara, but that ... You can plant masses in a wildflower garden as these “whirling butterflies” dance in the breeze. Gaura is best planted in the spring or fall. However, only plant perennial varieties in the fall since annuals will die with frosty weather.

Insight Material

Tough but delicate and incredibly pretty, Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' features tall, airy-looking flowers dancing and dangling along thin stems. It adds a unique texture in the garden with its 4-petaled, white butterfly-like flowers borne at the top of the airy spikes. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for gaura flowers (aka whirling butterflies)—delicate, drought-tolerant blooms perfect for borders and wildflower gardens. gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' An uprightherbaceous perennial to about 80cm, producing airy spires of delicate white flowers with long whitestamens, opening from pink buds over a long period from late spring to early autumn A perennial tough as nails yet as delicate as sprigs of baby’s breath is always a winner in the West. In the furnace of the California desert, Gaura lindheimeri has proven its mettle against ...

Final Conclusion

'Whirling Butterflies' features arching red stems, pink flower buds and 4-petaled snow white flowers (1" diameter) which appear in long, terminal, wand-like panicles above the foliage over a very long late spring to autumn bloom period.