Gaura Oenothera lindheimeri Papillon = 'Nugaupapil' (PBR) (G)
ABOUT
The Gaura 'Nugaupapil' PBR, commonly known as Whirling Butterflies, is a charming perennial that features delicate, airy looking flowers. This plant exhibits a bushy, clump-forming habit with slender, erect stems that support a long blooming display. The blooms present themselves in whimsical sprays resembling butterflies alighting on the plant, hence the name Whirling Butterflies. The flowers of the Whirling Butterflies are star-shaped, exhibiting a pale pink or white color with a lovely blush tint and prominent stamens at their center. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance, adding to the romantic and carefree aesthetic of the plant. The foliage is finely textured, with lance-shaped leaves that are sometimes tinged with a hint of maroon or red, particularly on the new growth. This foliar backdrop provides a beautiful contrast to the fluttery, light-as-air flowers that seem to dance atop the thin stems in the slightest breeze. Overall, the Whirling Butterflies exudes a sense of grace and movement, making it a fascinating addition to gardens where its blooms can sway gracefully and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It has an extended flowering period, providing long-lasting visual interest without the need for significant maintenance. Its charming and spirited presence brings a sense of whimsy to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
White Gaura, Lindheimer's Beeblossom, Gaura, Butterfly Gaura.
Common names
Gaura lindheimeri, Oenothera lindheimeri
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Oenothera lindheimeri is White Gaura. White Gaura is generally considered non-toxic to humans and does not usually pose any risk when touched or ingested. As with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always possible for someone to have an allergic reaction. However, no significant toxic effects are commonly reported from eating or handling White Gaura.
To pets
White Gaura is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning because it is not commonly associated with toxicity. Pets that ingest White Gaura are not expected to experience adverse health effects strictly due to the ingestion of this plant. However, as with humans, individual animals may have variable sensitivities or allergic reactions to any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Oenothera lindheimeri, commonly known as Gaura, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination within the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Gaura has excellent drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Long Blooming Season: Gaura typically has a long flowering period from early summer into fall, offering extended visual interest in the landscape.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial for gardeners in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Low Maintenance: Gaura is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those seeking low-effort landscaping.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: With its airy and delicate flowers, Gaura can add lightness and movement to garden designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of landscapes.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a specimen plant, Gaura is versatile and can be easily integrated into various garden settings and styles.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaura, also known as Oenothera lindheimeri, can be used in cut flower arrangements for its delicate and whimsical appearance which adds a gentle, meadow-like feel to bouquets.
- In meadows or wild gardens, Gaura serves as a habitat plant for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity.
- The vinelike stems and light, airy flowers of Gaura can be incorporated into living fences when supported, providing a blend of privacy and ornamental appeal.
- Used as a seasonal ground cover, Gaura's spreading habit can help reduce soil erosion on slopes or in garden patches prone to weather impact.
- Gaura can add movement to the garden as its tall, slender stems sway in the breeze, giving the landscape a dynamic aspect.
- Dried Gaura flower stalks can be used in arts and crafts for creating decorative elements, such as in wreath making or as part of dried floral arrangements.
- Gaura's non-invasive nature makes it suitable for container gardening, where it can add height and texture without overtaking other plants.
- In eco-friendly landscaping, Gaura can be used as a replacement for higher-maintenance lawn areas, reducing the need for mowing and watering.
- Gaura, with its long blooming period, can be used to provide visual interest in gaps between seasonal blooms within a garden border.
- Gaura plants can be used in educational gardens to teach about perennial life cycles, pollinator attraction, and native planting benefits.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gaura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gaura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Oenothera lindheimeri, commonly known as Gaura, symbolizes resilience as it can thrive in tough conditions and has a delicate yet tough nature.
- Peace: The airy and light flowers of the Gaura plant bring about a sense of peace and calmness, making it a symbol for tranquility.
- Longevity: Gaura is a perennial plant known for its long blooming period, which conveys the symbolism of endurance and long life.
- Purity: The white color of Gaura 'Nugaupapil' is often associated with purity and innocence, highlighting its delicate and pure appearance.
- Beauty: With its pretty and ornamental flowers, Gaura represents natural beauty and is often given as a gesture to admire someone's grace and elegance.
WaterThe Gaura, also known as Oenothera lindheimeri, thrives with consistent moisture but doesn't like to be overwatered. It's best to water this plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be about once a week depending on the climate and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, water usage may increase to twice a week. Apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering, ensuring it reaches deeply into the root zone. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightThe Gaura prefers full sun conditions to thrive, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a spot where it can soak up the morning sun and continue to bask in the light throughout the day. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as too little light can stunt growth and reduce flowering.
TemperatureGaura is adapted to a wide range of temperatures but performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, although it may not survive these colder extremes without protection. Maximum temperatures can go well over 90°F, especially when provided with adequate moisture.
PruningPrune your Gaura in early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged stems and to promote a fuller plant. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to shape the plant and encourage more blooms. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the plant has finished blooming in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGaura, commonly known as Whirling Butterflies, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with good aeration. A combination of loamy garden soil, coarse sand, and peat or compost will support healthy growth. The ideal soil pH for Gaura is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingWhirling Butterflies (Gaura) generally do not require frequent repotting. They should only be repotted if they outgrow their current container, which is usually every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingWhirling Butterflies (Gaura) prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to a range of conditions and do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleOenothera lindheimeri 'Nugaupapil', commonly known as the Lindheimer's Beeblossom or Gaura, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It begins its life as a seed, which after germination develops into a small rosette of leaves close to the ground, drawing nutrients from the soil and establishing a root system. As it matures, the plant sends up slender flowering stems that bear loose panicles of charming, butterfly-like flowers, which may be white or tinged with pink. The flowering stage typically occurs in late spring through summer and can continue into autumn, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry, dehiscent fruits (capsules) containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind. The plant may die back over winter, depending on climate, only to re-sprout from its base the following spring and repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Oenothera lindheimeri Papillon, commonly known as Gaura, is a perennial plant that is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This popular method is carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate Gaura by cuttings, a gardener would take several 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long cuttings from the soft, new growth of the plant. The lower leaves of each cutting are removed and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cuttings are then placed in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots have established, which generally takes a few weeks. During this time, the cuttings should be kept in a warm position with indirect sunlight. Once rooted, they can be transferred to larger pots or directly planted in the garden.
