July 29, 2019January 8, 2020 by landscape-water-conservation

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri also Oenothera lindheimeri)

Plant Family

Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae)

Common Names

Gaura, Butterfly gaura, Bee blossom, Lindheimer’s beeblossom

Description

Native to the warmer regions of the United States
Use caution when planting this species as it can be weedy and is considered invasive in some areas
Long-lived
Open growth habit with delicate looking flowers that bloom continuously from summer through fall
It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall
Several attractive cultivars of G.lindheimeri have been developed
Flower colors include white and a range of pinks.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9 but may survive in areas of Zone 4 especially if mulched in winter
Gaura reseeds readily
Tolerates full sun to part shade
Requires well drained soils

White flowers with long stems in a bush shape — Mature gaura plant Photo credit: fuzzyjay Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Flowers with a bright pink center and white edges — Gaura flowers Photo credit: protoflux Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Attracts

Bees
Hawk moths (sphinx moth, hummingbird moth, hormworm)
Butterflies

Additional Resources:

Midwest

Illinois – Beyond Impatiens and Petunias

Southeast

Florida – Gaura lindheimeri

Southwest

Texas – Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center