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

Last Updated: February 07, 2012

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Plant Family

Gaura flowers
Photo credit: protoflux

Mature gaura plant
Photo credit: fuzzyjay

Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae)

Common Names

Gaura
Butterfly gaura
Bee blossom
Lindheimer's beeblossom

Description

Gaura is 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.

This species is long-lived and has an 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.

Gaura is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9 but may survive in areas of Zone 4 especially if mulched in winter. Gaura reseeds readily, tolerate full sun to part shade and needs well drained soils.

Attracts

  • bees
  • hawk moths (sphinx moth, hummingbird moth, hormworm)
  • butterflies

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Resources

West

California - Gaura! Gaura! Gaura!
Washington - Gaura, known in the Midwest and South as "Bee Blossom"
Utah - Red Butte Garden


Midwest

Illinois - Beyond Impatiens and Petunias


Southeast

Florida - Gaura lindheimeri
Mississippi - Gaura ranks among the South's hottest plants


Southwest

Texas - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

 

 

Browse related Articles by tag: water-wise plants by type, landscape water conservation, water wise pollinator gardens


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