Minus icon Plant Type Perennials
Minus icon Height Tall 36"
Minus icon Spacing Plant 20" apart
Minus icon Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall
Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny
Minus icon Growing Zones 5-10
Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Sandy
Minus icon Water Needs Low
Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")
You can't go wrong with the classics! These tried and true varieties are our staff's top picks for gardeners looking for low maintenance plants that will dazzle in the border.
Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'
Gaura are vase-shaped plants that bloom from late spring until fall. Will thrive in high heat and humidity areas. Will need winter protection in far northern states.
Gaura thrives in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun, with good drainage being essential to prevent root rot, especially during winter. Plant them in a site with excellent drainage or in a raised bed, noting that their deep tap root makes transplanting difficult. Although hardy to zone 5, northern areas require extra winter protection. For winter care, prune stems back to 4-6 inches above ground in late fall, water well before ground freezing, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (keeping it away from stems) to insulate roots and prevent heaving; remove mulch when spring warming begins. These heat and drought-tolerant plants benefit from regular pruning: cut back stems after the first main bloom in early summer for reblooming, reduce height by half when plants reach 12-15 inches tall, and trim by half or two-thirds in mid-June or early July for bushier growth. A final cut to the base in late fall or early spring will rejuvenate growth. While maintenance is important, Gaura won't self-sow, making it easier to control in the garden.
Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!
We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!
We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.
