Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
A clump-forming, airy perennial reaching 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide, producing wiry, branching stems tipped with small, four-petaled flowers in white to pale pink from late spring through fall. Flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, each lasting one day but produced continuously in great numbers as buds open progressively along the wand-like stems — giving the effect of hovering butterflies. Leaves lance-shaped, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, sometimes marked with red or burgundy. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and long-blooming once established. Now reclassified as Oenothera lindheimeri by most botanical authorities, though Gaura remains the common horticultural name. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
Native Range
Gaura lindheimeri (Oenothera lindheimeri) is native to Texas and Louisiana in the south-central United States, growing in open prairies, roadsides, and disturbed ground adapted to hot, dry, calcareous soils. It is the primary species in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Planted in sunny, dry borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, and prairie or meadow gardens at 24–36 inch (60–90 cm) spacing. The airy butterfly-like flowers and exceptional drought tolerance make it one of the best long-blooming perennials for dry, well-drained Pacific Northwest sites. Effective as a border filler or mixed with ornamental grasses, salvias, and sedums in low-water plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Blooms late May through October in Pacific Northwest lowlands with near-continuous flower production. Individual flowers last one day; buds open progressively along each wand-like stem over several weeks. White-flowered cultivars show good contrast throughout; pink-flowered cultivars deepen in color with cooler fall temperatures.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Four-petaled, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, white to pale pink; pink-flowered cultivars deepen in color in cool fall temperaturesFoliage Description
Lance-shaped, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, mid-green; some cultivars marked with red or burgundy spottingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil — excellent drainage is essential; will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Space 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established; may struggle in heavy clay or consistently moist Pacific Northwest soils unless drainage is amended. Cut back by one-half to two-thirds in late spring to encourage compact growth. Self-sows in favorable conditions — deadhead if unwanted seedlings are a concern.Pruning
Cut back by one-half to two-thirds in late spring (May) before the plant reaches full height to encourage a more compact, self-supporting habit. Cut to the ground in late fall after frost kills the stems. Division every 3–4 years in spring maintains vigor.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons