Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Aug 27, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
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
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
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 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.
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.
Similar needs
Baby's Breath
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Beardtongue
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Black Eyed Susan
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blanket Flower
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Butterfly Weed
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Calamint
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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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.