Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Perennials

Whirling Butterflies, Gaura lindheimeri

Whirling Butterflies Plant, Gaura lindheimeri October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum Looks Like Butterflies Whirling Around The Plant

White Gaura, Gaura lindheimeri	Butterfly Gaura, Gaura lindheimeri

Whirling Butterflies Gaura lindheimeri, Evening Primrose Family: ( Onagraceae ), Whirling Butterflies. Also called: White Gaura, Butterfly Gaura, Gaura. This airy and delicate herbaceous perennial sends up arching sprays of small orchid-like blooms, looking like butterflies swirling in the spring and continues to flower throughout the summer. Of course, butterflies are attracted to the blossoms. There are two varities available; a white-flowering selection called 'Whirling Butterflies', and a pink clone called 'Siskiyou Pink'. Gaura lindheimeri does well in the full sun in our middle to high deserts, but requires some afternoon protection in the hottest zones, such as Phoenix. It does well under our desert trees. This plant is a native of Texas and Mexico. White gaura grows in a loose, bushy clump 2 - 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 -3 feet. Its stems are slender and wiry, and covered with tiny hairs. The leaves are 1 - 3 inches long, with toothed margins. The flowers are produced above the foliage on erect spikes, 8 - 24 inches long. The individual flowers are about an inch across and have four reflexed petals. They are white when they open at dawn, fading to pink at the end of the day. Only a few flowers are open at any one time, and each drops off after blooming, leaving a clean, neat stalk. The butterfly-shaped flowers are balanced atop long wiry stems where the slightest breeze sets them to whirling! This is a plant for hot climates and dry soils. White gaura is tolerant of drought. It has a long taproot and requires a well-drained soil. Root rot may occur in heavy, poorly drained soils. Height: Growing to about 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Flowers: The flowers are white, butterfly-like flowers, about 1 inch wide, with four reflexed petals. Blooming Time: May - October. Leaves: Lance-shaped, stemless leaves 1 - 3 inches long, occasionally spotted with maroon.. Found: Found throughout Arizona. Elevation: Naturally at 4500 to 7500 Feet. Does well at lower elevations but needs water. Habitat: Sandy, well-drained/light soils. An ideal xeriscape garden landscape plant in Arizona. Native of Southeastern USA. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum.