Overview
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Gaura, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and wildlife gardens. It is native to North America.
About
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' is a clump-forming Gaura with deciduous foliage. It suits full sun on neutral loam that drains freely and prefers a south-facing, sheltered position. Rated H5 (hardy) in the UK, it is suitable for borders, containers and wildlife gardens.
About the genus
Gaura was a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, native to North America. The name was derived from Greek γαῦρος (gaûros) meaning "superb" and named in reference to the stature and floral display of some species in this genus.
In the garden
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' belongs to the Gaura group, plants originally associated with North America, and carries the clump-forming habit and deciduous leaf habit typical of the genus. As a garden subject it is grown for placement where it can occupy a defined clump rather than sprawling across a bed. Select a site in full sun on a neutral loam that sheds excess water; the plant requires well-drained soil and benefits from a south-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce exposure to driving winds. The recorded UK hardiness is H5 (hardy), so it will tolerate normal UK winters in most areas provided the soil does not remain waterlogged. In containers use a free-draining loam-based compost and ensure pots have clear drainage to mirror the plant's need for well-drained conditions. Place it in mixed borders, groups of containers or in areas managed for wildlife where its clump-forming habit can be shown off. Because it is deciduous and forms a defined clump, allow plants room to mature rather than crowding them; a single specimen in a south-facing pot or a small group at the front of a border will make the best use of its growth habit and site preferences.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaura
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained neutral loam soil; requires a sheltered, south-facing position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Seed, division, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to deer, rabbits
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained neutral loam soil; requires a sheltered, south-facing position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies'?
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' need?
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies'?
Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
Is Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' hardy in the UK?
Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gaura lind. 'Whirling Butterflies'?
Seed, division, cuttings.