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.
On the CSU listlow to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Gaura lindheimeri
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in 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
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom time
- mid summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySelf-seeds heavily once established
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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 a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Whirling Butterflies?
- The main things to know: Self-seeds heavily once established
- How big does Whirling Butterflies get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Whirling Butterflies?
- Space Whirling Butterflies about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Whirling Butterflies hardy on the Front Range?
- Whirling Butterflies is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- 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.
- Is Whirling Butterflies deer-resistant?
- Whirling Butterflies is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Whirling Butterflies a good firewise plant near the house?
- Whirling Butterflies is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Whirling Butterflies bloom?
- Whirling Butterflies blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
