The Story
Plant Bio
Oenothera lindheimeri (formerly Gaura lindheimeri) is a clump-forming perennial native to North America, characterized by its airy, delicate stems and long, graceful wands of four-petaled, butterfly-like flowers.
This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage, with leaves edged in cream, yellow, and rose-pink. It produces wands of bright pink flowers from late spring to fall.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
- Allow soil to dry between watering to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best flowering performance.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow questions
What zones can Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow grow in?
Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow 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 Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow deer resistant?
Yes — Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow bloom?
Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow need full sun?
Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Gaura to compare

Whirling Butterflies Beeblossom
Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'

Crimson Butterflies Beeblossom
Gaura lindheimeri 'Crimson Butterflies'

Lindheimer's Beeblossom Whirling Butterflies
Gaura lindheimeri

Belleza Dark Pink Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri 'Belleza Dark Pink'

Dauphin Beeblossom
Gaura lindheimeri 'Dauphin'

Gaudi Red Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri 'Gaudí Red'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Gaura lindheimeri Passionate Rainbow with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
















