What hardiness zones is Oenothera lindheimeri suitable for?

Oenothera lindheimeri is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Oenothera lindheimeri?

Oenothera lindheimeri requires Full Sun.

How much water does Oenothera lindheimeri need?

Oenothera lindheimeri has Low water needs.

1 / 5

Perennials

Oenothera lindheimeri

wandflower

Onagraceae

Texas and Louisiana; formerly classified as Gaura lindheimeri

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height36-60 inches (90-150 cm)

Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright, airy-stemmed perennial in the family Onagraceae, native to open prairies, roadsides, and disturbed ground in Texas and Louisiana. Plants grow from a deep taproot producing wiry, branching stems 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) tall clothed in narrow, lance-shaped leaves 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, often with red-tinged margins. From late spring through fall, the slender stems bear loose, open racemes of small, four-petaled flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across in white aging to pale pink, each with reflexed petals and prominent, long-exserted stamens that create a delicate, butterfly-like appearance as they flutter in the wind. Individual flowers last one day; continuous bud production over 5–6 months provides near-uninterrupted bloom. The deep taproot makes established plants highly drought-tolerant and renders division or transplanting difficult. Formerly classified as Gaura lindheimeri — still widely sold under that name. Hardy in zones 5–9; may be grown as an annual in cooler zones. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to Texas and Louisiana, growing in open prairies, roadsides, and disturbed ground in full sun in poor, well-drained, often sandy or rocky soils. Widely cultivated and naturalized in parts of western North America, Australia, and Europe.

Suggested Uses

Planted in dry perennial borders, gravel gardens, prairie gardens, and containers at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. The airy, fluttering white flowers provide a soft, naturalistic effect that combines well with ornamental grasses, salvias, and drought-tolerant perennials. Effective massed as a long-season filler. Compact cultivars ('Whirling Butterflies') well suited for smaller spaces and the front of borders.

How to Identify

Identified by wiry, branching stems 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) tall bearing numerous small, four-petaled white flowers aging to pale pink, with reflexed petals and long-exserted stamens, creating a butterfly-like fluttering effect on airy, open racemes from spring through fall. The combination of continuous multi-month bloom, airy habit, white-to-pink flower progression, and deep taproot (making division difficult) are characteristic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

red

Fall Foliage Colors

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

SummerFall

Blooms June through October in zones 5–9, making it one of the longest-blooming hardy perennials — 5 to 6 continuous months. Individual flowers last one day but new flowers open continuously. Cutting back by one-third in midsummer can rejuvenate the plant and maintain compact growth in taller cultivars. Compact cultivars ('Whirling Butterflies', 'Siskiyou Pink', 'Crimson Butterflies') range from 18–36 inches (45–90 cm).

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white aging to pale pink; reflexed petals with long-exserted stamens

Foliage Description

medium green, narrow lance-shaped, often with red-tinged margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sandloamrockychalk

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in poor to average, sharply drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Rich, moist soils produce tall, floppy plants that decline quickly. Drought-tolerant once the taproot establishes — typically after the first full season. Do not divide or transplant established plants; the taproot does not tolerate disturbance. Stake taller species-type plants in windy positions or cut back by one-third in late June to reduce height. Hardy to zone 5 with excellent drainage; crown wetness in winter is the primary cause of loss.

Pruning

Cut back by one-third in late June to stimulate compact, bushy regrowth and extend the season. Deadhead the tips of spent racemes by cutting back to a lateral branch to maintain continuous fresh bloom. Cut all stems to 6 inches (15 cm) above the crown in late fall. Do not divide — the taproot does not tolerate disturbance. Propagate from seed or stem cuttings taken in spring.

Pruning Schedule

late springfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic