Whirling Butterflies Wand Flower

Plant in spring, spacing 24–30 inches apart in well-drained soil. Gaura (wand flower) thrives in average to lean soils and handles heat and drought well once established. Avoid overly rich or wet soils, which cause floppy growth. Water regularly for the first few weeks after planting, then reduce as the plant establishes its deep taproot. A lean, well-drained site is the key to success.

Cut plants back by about one-third after the first major bloom to encourage a fresh flush of growth and flowers. The airy, dancing white flowers on long wands are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators throughout summer. Once established, gaura is highly drought tolerant — overwatering is more likely to cause problems than underwatering. No heavy fertilizing is needed. A graceful, long-blooming perennial.