Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'

Whirling Butterflies

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ — commonly called Whirling Butterflies Gaura — is an airy, long-blooming perennial valued for its delicate, butterfly-like flowers and graceful movement. It forms a loose, upright clump of slender stems with narrow green foliage. From late spring through fall, it produces masses of small, white to blush-pink flowers that dance above the foliage on wiry stems, creating a light, floating effect in the garden.

Mature Size:
Width: 18–24 in
Height: 2–3 ft

USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils; thrives in sandy or average soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright, airy perennial with a loose, natural habit
Delicate flowers create a soft, floating appearance
Long bloom period from late spring through fall
Excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized plantings
Adds movement and light texture to the landscape

Maintenance:
Cut back lightly mid-season to encourage fresh growth and continued bloom
Avoid overly rich or poorly drained soils
Cut back in late fall or early spring
Short-lived but may self-seed in favorable conditions

Plant type

Perennial

Height

2-3'

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Pale Pink, White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green, Purple

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No