Long-Flower Gaura
Oenothera filiformis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Oenothera filiformis (Long-Flower Gaura) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming white flowers from June through September across the central and southern United States, attracting bees and moths.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, IA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Thread-leaf evening primrose is a delicate annual wildflower with narrow, thread-like foliage and small yellow flowers that open in the evening. This compact plant blooms from June through September and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
Growing Long-Flower Gaura
Grow Long-Flower Gaura in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Long-Flower Gaura takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle means gaps in coverage
- Thread-like foliage can appear sparse or weedy
- Evening primrose family often viewed as wildflower rather than ornamental
Wildlife value
The evening-blooming flowers attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators. Bees also visit the flowers during daytime hours when blooms remain open.
Common questions
- When does Oenothera filiformis bloom?
- Long-Flower Gaura blooms from June through September, producing delicate white flowers that attract native pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Long-Flower Gaura prefer?
- This native plant thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it excellent for drought-tolerant gardens and natural landscapes.
- Which pollinators visit Oenothera filiformis?
- Long-Flower Gaura attracts bees and moths, providing important nectar resources during its summer and early fall blooming period.
- Where is Long-Flower Gaura native?
- This species is native to a large portion of the central and southern United States, including states from Colorado and Kansas south to Texas and east to the Great Lakes region.
- Is Long-Flower Gaura HOA-friendly?
- Long-Flower Gaura takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Long-Flower 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