Whirling butterflies Oenothera lindheimeri

White Gaura is a native clump-forming herbaceous perennial. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The plant's tall stems have stemless, and spoon-shaped or lanceolate leaves. The flowers bloom on wiry, upright or arching, and densely clustered wand-like stems. The buds of the flowers are pink and open to white blossoms that will fade to pink. The flowers are borne on racemes and open only a few at a time. It blooms with white to pink flowers during the summer until the first fall frosts.

The flower is native to the south-central United States in Louisiana and Texas and is typically found in prairies, pinelands, and pond edges. 

The genus name, Gaura, is derived from the Greek word, gauros, which means 'superb' and references the flower. The specific epithet, lindheimeri, honors Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer, a plant collector from Texas in the 1800s. The species was moved from the genus Gaura to Oenothera in the early 2000s. It is a member of the Onagraceae or primrose family.

White Gaura is best grown in sandy, loamy, acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and will tolerate heat and humidity. Deadheading the spent blooms will encourage continued blooming. Soil that is too rich will cause leaf growth and less flowering. The taproot helps make it drought and heat tolerant. The thin and wiry stems can become leggy and floppy; therefore, it is beneficial to plant other perennials nearby that can offer them support. The flower spikes should be cut back in the fall, and all the dead foliage removed in the spring. The plant may be propagated by seeds, division, or basal cuttings.

White Gaura grows from a thick taproot and has a basal clump of leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and the margins are entire or slightly toothed. The foliage is dark green to burgundy. The foliage dies back during the winter, except in warmer climates where it will remain evergreen. The flowers are on long wiry stems that are 3 to 5 feet tall. The flower is 0.5 to 1 inch wide and has 4 petals that surround 8 yellow stamens. The flowers are white or pink-tinged, but cultivars tend to have more intensely colored petals. The flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bumblebees, long-tongue bees, and butterflies. After the flowers fade, a greenish nut-like fruit appears and matures to a dark grayish-brown. The fruit contains reddish-brown seeds. 

White Gaura is best planted in groups or mass plantings due to its tall wispy habit. It may be used along sunny borders or has a container planting. Cottage Gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas are perfect for the loose and airy sprays of flowers. Cultivars are available and compact varieties may be better for use in gardens. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer and Fall          Foliage: Spring, Summer, and Fall      Fruits:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• thick tap root and a basal clump of leaves
• wiry, upright or arching, and densely clustered wand-like stems measuring 3 to 5 feet tall
• dark green to burgundy leaves are lance-shaped or spoon-shaped, with entire margins or slightly toothed
• white to pink-tinged flowers are 0.5 to 1 inch wide, with 4 petals that surround 8 yellow stamens
• greenish nut-like fruit, matures to a dark grayish-brown and contains reddish-brown seeds. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: In poorly drained soils, root rot may occur. Other diseases include rust and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles.