Whirling Butterflies

Oenothera lindheimeri, Gaura lindheimeri

Oenothera lindheimeri is a perennial flowering plant native to North America. It’s known for its slender stems bearing delicate, white to pink hued flowers, which resemble butterflies in flight. Adaptable and drought-tolerant, it thrives in various soils, adding grace and charm to gardens while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Louisiana to Desert Southwest and south into Mexico
Family: Onagraceae
Size: Up to 4′ tall, 3′ wide
Sun: Full sun to part shade, but protect from afternoon summer sun
Watering: Regular watering in summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Tolerant, but prefers well drained
Temperature: Hardy to about -20F
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Nectar source for bees and butterflies, seeds eaten by birds. Larval host for the White-lined Sphinx moth.
Notes: Cultivars include Siskiyou Pink, Perky Pink, Pink Lady, Pink Fountain, Passionate Pink

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