Gaura lindheimeri

Family: Onagraceae

Common Name(s): Lindheimer's Beeblossom, White Gaura, Pink Gaura, Lindheimer's Clockweed

Native to: Louisiana and Texas

Flowering: Spring-Autumn

Watering: Water regulary during the growing season

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

"Whirling Butterflies" is a clump forming perennial with loosely branched stems covered with tiny hairs and long sprays of beautiful flowers which open white from pink buds. It has an attractive and graceful habit and many flowers are produced from spring until autumn. The plant grows to a height of 75cm and 70cm wide and is frost hardy. Use amongst other low maintenance perennials.

Cultivation

Easily grown in a sunny, moderately fertile to poor but well draining soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Plants will respond well to regular applications of liquid fertiliser and watering throughout the growing season. No particular pests or diseases. Pruning after the first flush of flowers finishes will rejuvenate the plant. Prune back hard to a framework of stems 30cm high over winter.