Species

Gaura lindheimeriLindheimer's Beeblossom Whirling Butterflies

16 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

White Gaura

Gaura lindheimeri 'Sparkle White'

The Story

Plant Bio

Oenothera lindheimeri is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to the south-central United States, characterized by its airy, wand-like flowering stems. The species produces narrow, lance-shaped green leaves and loose terminal racemes of four-petaled flowers that flutter in the wind like butterflies.

'Sparkle White' is a compact, highly uniform cultivar that grows to a tidy height of 12 to 28 inches. It produces pure white flowers from pinkish buds that bloom continuously from late spring until the first hard frost.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a delicate, airy texture with pure white flowers that bloom continuously from late spring to frost.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance once established due to its deep taproot system.

Attracts and supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

SpeciesGaura lindheimeriLindheimer's Beeblossom Whirling Butterflies

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28"

Width

31"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South-central United States (Texas, Louisiana)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun to ensure strong stems and maximum flower production.
Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel to guarantee rapid drainage, as wet winter soils cause root rot.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but equal in depth to prevent burying the crown.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then reduce watering once the taproot establishes.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil and avoid adding organic compost or fertilizer; rich soils cause the wiry stems to become weak and flop over.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back spent flower spikes regularly during the growing season to stimulate continuous blooming.
Shear the entire plant close to the ground in late winter to clear dead topgrowth.
Plant in poor, well-drained soils to maintain a compact, upright growth habit.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize or plant in rich loam, which leads to floppy, weak stems.
Do not attempt to divide mature plants, as the deep woody taproot resents disturbance.
Do not prune back into old, leafless woody stems that lack active buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensGravel GardensMixed BordersMass PlantingsContainers

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Gaura questions

What zones can White Gaura grow in?

White Gaura is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is White Gaura deer resistant?

Yes — White Gaura is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does White Gaura bloom?

White Gaura typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Gaura need full sun?

White Gaura does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White Gaura drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White Gaura handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.