A graceful hazy plant with slender stems of white, fading to pink star shaped flowers, with distinctive long anthers from May to September. An exceptionally long flowering period. Height 75cm. Spread 50cm. Full sun/partial shade. Free draining soil. Hardy.
Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is a beautifully airy perennial known for its graceful, star-shaped blooms that dance above slender stems from late spring to early autumn. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to help your Oenothera thrive in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This gives the roots time to establish before the main flowering season.
Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn, giving time to settle before its natural resting period, encouraging strong growth the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ flourishes in full sun to light partial shade. Choose a bright, open location to maximise flowering.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for Oenothera. Mix in grit or organic matter if needed to improve drainage and structure.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This gives Oenothera room to develop a strong root system.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or organic material to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Planting: Set the plant into the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface. Gently firm the soil around the roots to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the plant, ensuring good root-to-soil contact.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Oenothera is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during extended dry spells, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes extremely dry, as the plant requires little moisture at this time.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy new growth and enhance flowering.
Mid-Summer: A light supplementary feed mid-season can help maintain its long flowering period.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to prolong flowering and keep the plant looking tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After flowering finishes in autumn, cut back stems to ground level. This prepares ‘Whirling Butterflies’ for its winter rest and encourages fresh growth the following spring.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.
Winter: A winter mulch helps insulate the roots and maintain soil stability.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Although naturally upright, Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ can benefit from staking in particularly breezy spots to prevent stems from flopping.
Final Tips
Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ is a low-maintenance, elegant perennial ideal for borders, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic planting schemes. By providing plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and following this care routine, this Oenothera will reward you with months of delicate, fluttering blooms that bring movement and charm to your outdoor space.
28 reviews for Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ (Gaura)
Rated 5 out of 5
Ann (verified owner)–
Plants arrived promptly and in excellent health
Rated 5 out of 5
Derek (verified owner)–
Plant was in excellent condition, well packaged and value for money
Rated 5 out of 5
Alison M. (verified owner)–
Highly recommend. Plants arrived in condition and delivery was really quick. Looking forward to seeing these flower soon, planted among ornamental grasses they should work really well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Paul (verified owner)–
Excellent service and healthy plants
Rated 5 out of 5
Sarah M. (verified owner)–
Another lovely healthy plant.. so carefully packaged and a delight to open the box.
Rated 5 out of 5
David (verified owner)–
As above
Rated 5 out of 5
C (verified owner)–
Lovely healthy plants
Rated 5 out of 5
Heather N. (verified owner)–
All plants well packaged and super quick delivery, will order from again!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Michael (verified owner)–
good quality plants
Rated 5 out of 5
Julie W. (verified owner)–
This is the second time I have purchased plants from proctors nursery. I have been incredibly happy with the condition of my plants, the excellent and efficient ordering service connecting to a reliable and prompt delivery.
Rated 5 out of 5
Krystyna R. (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Lovely plant, arrived quickly and very well packed so it suffered no damage in transport. Lovely white flowers and delicate leaves that are not overshadowing other plants.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Miller (verified owner)–
Lovely plat can’t wait for it to bloom! Well preserved and packed!
Rated 5 out of 5
sheryl green (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Arrived as promised and in great condition
Rated 5 out of 5
Helen (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Claire (verified owner)–
Lovely plant, well packaged, quick delivery.
Rated 5 out of 5
Trevor Hopper (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Plants arrived looking very healthy and packed well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Alison (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Clare (verified owner)–
Ordered from Proctors having purchased at GWL and really plsd. Healthy plants arrived carefully packed. Would definitely recommend.
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Ann (verified owner) –
Plants arrived promptly and in excellent health
Derek (verified owner) –
Plant was in excellent condition, well packaged and value for money
Alison M. (verified owner) –
Highly recommend. Plants arrived in condition and delivery was really quick. Looking forward to seeing these flower soon, planted among ornamental grasses they should work really well.
Paul (verified owner) –
Excellent service and healthy plants
Sarah M. (verified owner) –
Another lovely healthy plant.. so carefully packaged and a delight to open the box.
David (verified owner) –
As above
C (verified owner) –
Lovely healthy plants
Heather N. (verified owner) –
All plants well packaged and super quick delivery, will order from again!!
Michael (verified owner) –
good quality plants
Julie W. (verified owner) –
This is the second time I have purchased plants from proctors nursery. I have been incredibly happy with the condition of my plants, the excellent and efficient ordering service connecting to a reliable and prompt delivery.
Krystyna R. (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Lovely plant, arrived quickly and very well packed so it suffered no damage in transport. Lovely white flowers and delicate leaves that are not overshadowing other plants.
Sam Miller (verified owner) –
Lovely plat can’t wait for it to bloom! Well preserved and packed!
sheryl green (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Arrived as promised and in great condition
Helen (verified owner) –
Claire (verified owner) –
Lovely plant, well packaged, quick delivery.
Trevor Hopper (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Plants arrived looking very healthy and packed well.
Alison (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Clare (verified owner) –
Ordered from Proctors having purchased at GWL and really plsd. Healthy plants arrived carefully packed. Would definitely recommend.
Sam Carlson (verified owner) –
As above. A really healthy plant.
Ann Tattum (verified owner) –
such a pretty plant in excellent condition.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Paul (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –