Whirling Butterflies, Lindheimer's Gaura
gaura lindheimeri
Also known as: ["Butterfly Gaura","Swan Plant"]
Overview
An upright, herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its delicate, butterfly-like flowers that appear in airy clusters on tall stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Gaura |
| Botanical Name: | Gaura lindheimeri |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly; prune lightly after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is ideal; rotate pots for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in early morning or late evening; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic bags (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers (deadheading) to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or diseased stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Gaura benefits from root restriction, so avoid overly large pots.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move containers indoors or to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting, scorching of leaves, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply at half strength; avoid foliage contact; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply lightly every 6–8 weeks during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGaura lindheimeri is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGaura lindheimeri is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGaura lindheimeri is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Gaura lindheimeri grow?
A: It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet in height.
Q: Does Gaura attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Is Gaura lindheimeri drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it thrives in dry conditions once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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