Guara ‘Whirling Butterflies’

Description

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is a selection of native gaura known for its arching red stems with pink flower buds and 4-petaled snow white flowers (1″ diameter) which appear in long, terminal, wand-like panicles above the foliage over a very long late spring to autumn bloom. The flowers open only a few at a time, and appear to dance in the wind like butterflies, giving its common name. Typically growing 2-3′ tall, it differs from other Guara species by being more compact and more floriferous with flowers being a brighter white. Like other Gurara this cultivar is best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun; good drainage is essential for this plant to thrive. Once established, this taprooted plant tolerates heat, humidity, and some drought. The genus name Gaura comes from the Greek gauros meaning “superb” in reference to the beautiful flowers, which are a magnet for pollinators. Guara is a naturally clump-forming perennial with showy, narrow, lance-shaped, stemless leaves (1-3″ long) are occasionally spotted with maroon.

Photo: Bluestone Perennials