Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’
£6.95
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’
A wonderfully airy perennial, producing clouds of delicate white flowers that seem to dance above the border.
Slender stems carry masses of butterfly-like white flowers, opening from soft pink buds and continuing for months from early summer well into autumn. The loose, floating flowers bring movement and lightness to planting schemes without overwhelming neighbouring plants. They are also attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.
‘Whirling Butterflies’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, coping particularly well with dry conditions once established. It forms a graceful, bushy clump with tall, wiry flowering stems, making it ideal for sunny borders, gravel gardens and naturalistic planting. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground, particularly over winter.
Specifications
Height: 90–120cm
Spread: 60–90cm
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Flowering: June–October
Hardiness: Hardy perennial in well-drained soil
Wildlife: Attractive to bees and other pollinators
Care: Cut back in spring once new growth begins
🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting
A particularly good choice for sunny, free-draining Isle of Wight gardens. Once established, it copes well with periods of dry weather and is excellent for adding height without making a border feel heavy. Give it good drainage through winter and avoid cutting it back hard in autumn.
🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range
Salvia ‘Caradonna’ – strong violet-blue spires provide structure beneath the airy white flowers.
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ – creates a soft blue-purple base and enjoys the same sunny, dry conditions.
Agapanthus ‘Peter Pan’ – bold blue flower heads contrast beautifully with Gaura’s loose, floating habit.
Verbena ‘Bampton’ – dark foliage and fine purple flowers continue the light, naturalistic feel.
Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ – compact grassy texture adds movement while keeping the lower planting neat.
Eryngium planum ‘Fluela’ – architectural blue flower heads give a sharper contrast to Gaura’s delicate blooms.
🌟 The Green Standard Tip
Leave the stems standing through autumn rather than cutting them back immediately after flowering. The old growth offers some protection to the crown over winter. Cut back in spring when fresh shoots begin to appear.