Gaura x ‘Whirling Butterflies’, commonly known as Beeblossom, is a graceful, long-blooming hybrid perennial known for its airy habit and delicate white flowers that resemble fluttering butterflies. Blooming from late spring through fall, this drought-tolerant plant reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, forming a soft, informal clump that moves beautifully in the breeze. While it thrives in hot, sunny, well-drained conditions and adds texture to mixed borders and cottage gardens, it is not native and offers limited ecological value in comparison to true native perennials.

Why choose ‘Whirling Butterflies’ Beeblossom:

• Long bloom season: Delicate white flowers appear from late spring into fall

• Graceful movement: Airy stems sway with the breeze for a soft, natural look

• Heat and drought tolerant: Ideal for dry, sunny sites with poor soils

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Requires full sun for best flowering and form

• Soil needs: Well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay or overly wet conditions

• Maintenance: Cut back by half in midsummer to refresh growth and extend bloom

Designs for your garden:

• Cottage gardens: Adds airy texture and softness to sunny perennial beds

• Pollinator gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies throughout the growing season

• Mixed borders: Blends well with native grasses and other flowering perennials

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native hybrid: Limited ecological value compared to native wildflowers

• Pollinator support: Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies during bloom

• Best with natives: Combine with native species to improve biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot: A clump-forming native with lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower: A bold native perennial with large daisy-like purple blooms and high pollinator value.
Coreopsis verticillata – Threadleaf Coreopsis: A fine-textured native with bright yellow flowers and a long summer bloom period.