How much sun does Small-flowered Gaura need?

Small-flowered Gaura grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Small-flowered Gaura bloom?

Small-flowered Gaura blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Small-flowered Gaura native?

Small-flowered Gaura (Oenothera curtiflora) is native to AR, AZ, CO, IA and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Small-flowered Gaura attract?

Small-flowered Gaura draws bees, moths, and butterflies.

Is Small-flowered Gaura HOA-friendly?

Small-flowered Gaura takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Small-flowered Gaura

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera curtiflora

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, AZ, CO, IA and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Small evening primrose produces delicate yellow flowers that open in the evening from June through September. This compact native wildflower forms neat clumps and thrives in sunny, dry locations with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Small-flowered 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.

Has a wild, weedy appearance that most HOAs would reject
Can spread aggressively and look unkempt
Flowers open at night when neighbors are less likely to appreciate blooms

Wildlife value

Evening-blooming flowers attract night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators, while daytime visitors include native bees and butterflies.

Common questions

How much sun does Small-flowered Gaura need?: Small-flowered Gaura grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Small-flowered Gaura bloom?: Small-flowered Gaura blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Small-flowered Gaura native?: Small-flowered Gaura (Oenothera curtiflora) is native to AR, AZ, CO, IA and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Small-flowered Gaura attract?: Small-flowered Gaura draws bees, moths, and butterflies.
Is Small-flowered Gaura HOA-friendly?: Small-flowered 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 Small-flowered Gaura? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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