Gaura, or Oenothera lindheimeri to give its botanical name, is instantly recognisable for its delicate four-petalled blooms that appear to float ethereally on airy stems. Known by many other names, including whirling butterflies, beeblossom and wand flower, it's a native perennial that is often found gracing roadsides in Southeastern Texas, Louisiana and Mexico.
Sun loving and producing endless blooms from late spring to fall, this surprisingly tough garden favorite often steals the show grown alongside sculptural statements such as agave and cacti or planted in floral drifts weaving through ornamental grasses. Often a mainstay of meadowscaping and other nature inspired planting schemes, gaura lends height, soft texture and a relaxed, graceful movement to any border, pot or gravel garden.
