Perennial
Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
Belleza Dark PinkOenothera lindheimeriWhirling ButterfliesOenothera lindheimeriStandardOenothera lindheimeri
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$12.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-4 feet × 1-2 feet
About Gaura
Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri), commonly called whirling butterflies or bee blossom, is a graceful native perennial from Texas and Louisiana producing slender, arching wands adorned with small white to pink four-petaled flowers that flutter like butterflies in the breeze from spring through fall. It forms airy, vase-shaped clumps of narrow foliage. A versatile border perennial prized for its long bloom season and wispy, naturalistic form. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant Gaura in full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; in NE Florida's intense summer heat, a site with excellent air circulation helps prevent fungal issues on basal stems.
Water
Water regularly until established, then reduce to drought-tolerant levels; avoid overwatering in Florida's rainy season as Gaura is highly susceptible to root rot in poorly drained or continuously wet soil.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in NE Florida's sandy, well-drained soil with no amendments needed; avoid heavy clay or consistently moist soil. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release granular; over-fertilization encourages foliage over flowers.
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Common questions
Is Gaura a good plant for St. Augustine?
Gaura is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.