Whirling Butterflies or White Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri
· perennial · introduced
Last updated
As of March 31, 2026, soil temperature at Kent / Auburn is 47.7°F. Whirling Butterflies or White Gaura is in early-season conditions in Zone 8b.
Whirling butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri, Onagraceae; now Oenothera lindheimeri) is a clump-forming perennial from south-central United States (Louisiana and Texas prairies), reaching 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Pink buds open to white flowers that fade to pink, appearing a few at a time on wiry stems from summer to first frost, creating a long-season display.
Whirling butterflies grows in full sun and is drought tolerant once established. Detailed hardiness and soil requirement data have not been fully documented. Cultivars include 'Siskiyou Pink' and 'Whirling Butterflies.' The profile is a stub awaiting enrichment.