Butterfly Gaura
Oenothera lindheimeri
Last reviewed: June 2026
Oenothera lindheimeri is a native Texas and Louisiana wildflower that produces delicate white flowers from March through November. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds to gardens.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
LA, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Butterfly Gaura produces delicate white flowers that dance on tall, airy stems from spring through late fall. This graceful native perennial forms clumps of narrow leaves and can reach up to 5 feet tall with a relatively narrow spread. The plant goes dormant in winter but reliably returns each spring.
Growing Butterfly Gaura
Grow Butterfly Gaura in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Butterfly Gaura is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May flop without support
- Best in less formal zones
Wildlife value
Attracts a diverse range of pollinators including butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds throughout its long blooming season. The extended bloom period from March through November provides consistent nectar sources when many other plants have finished flowering.
Common questions
- When does Oenothera lindheimeri bloom?
- Oenothera lindheimeri blooms from March through November, providing an exceptionally long flowering season that spans most of the growing year.
- What pollinators visit Butterfly Gaura?
- Butterfly Gaura attracts a diverse array of pollinators including butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds. The long bloom period provides sustained nectar resources throughout the season.
- Where is Oenothera lindheimeri native?
- Oenothera lindheimeri is native to Texas and Louisiana, where it grows naturally in prairies, fields, and disturbed soils.
- What growing conditions does Butterfly Gaura prefer?
- Butterfly Gaura thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to medium water requirements. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well in well-draining soils.
- Is Butterfly Gaura HOA-friendly?
- Butterfly Gaura is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Butterfly Gaura? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz