Whirling Butterflies
Gaura lindheimeri
Whirling Butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Airy white-pink flowers float above the foliage all summer; deer-resistant.
low to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Gaura lindheimeri
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Whirling Butterflies good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Whirling Butterflies is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Whirling Butterflies get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How much water does Whirling Butterflies need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Whirling Butterflies native to Colorado?
- No — it is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
