Airy wands of white, pink-flushed flowers dance on slender stems like a cloud of butterflies all season. Heat- and drought-tolerant, weaving beautifully through other plantings.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 80 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Whirling Butterflies
Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' is a fast-growing perennial in the Onagraceae family. It reaches around 80 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Whirling Butterflies
Whirling Butterflies suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Whirling Butterflies does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Whirling Butterflies performs well with relatively little water once established. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Whirling Butterflies after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Whirling Butterflies in the garden
Whirling Butterflies earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, attracting butterflies, cut flowers for the vase and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Whirling Butterflies sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Whirling Butterflies
Plant Sale lists Whirling Butterflies as potted plants. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
