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Why we like this plant
Oenothera lindheimeri is an excellent choice for adding lightness and movement to the garden. Its low-maintenance, drought-tolerant nature makes it perfect for prairie, cottage, and wildlife-friendly gardens, providing continuous colour and pollinator appeal throughout the growing season.
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About this plant
Oenothera lindheimeri, often still referred to as Gaura lindheimeri, is a free-flowering, clump-forming perennial that brings a light, naturalistic feel to gardens. Its slender, arching stems bear dainty, star-like flowers in shades of white or pink, resembling butterflies in flight. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves form a tidy, bushy base, while the airy flowers provide a contrast to denser planting. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for prairie-style gardens, cottage borders, and wildlife-friendly planting, attracting bees and butterflies throughout its long flowering season.
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Key features
- Delicate, star-shaped white or pink flowers
- Exceptionally long flowering period from late spring to autumn
- Light, airy growth habit adds movement to borders
- Drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils
- Attracts bees and butterflies
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Height and
spread -
Growth
habitClump-forming, upright, airy
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Moisture
Drought-tolerant; prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
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Position in
the GardenBorders, prairie planting, cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens
Planting guide
- Plant in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Position in full sun for best flowering
- Space plants 50-60cm apart to allow for spreading
- Water well after planting to establish roots
Care tips
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun
- Water occasionally; highly drought-tolerant once established
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering
- Cut back by half after the first flush to encourage a second bloom
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour
Winter care
- Hardy in mild climates; may need mulch protection in colder regions
- Leave seed heads for winter interest or cut back in late autumn
- Trim old growth in early spring to encourage fresh shoots