Gaura lindheimeri Crimson Butterfly

Gaura lindheimeri 'Crimson Butterfly' is part of a series of Gaura lindheimeri developed in Australia from the Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink', which are characterised by a compact habit and abundant pink flowering. For months these beautiful plants are covered in delicate flowers that resemble butterflies. They are true treasures for terraces and balconies, and their resistance to harsh weather conditions makes them wonderful in the garden. Regardless of whether the soil is rich or moist, 'Crimson Butterfly' delivers a multitude of blooms in a deep pink colour with a red calyx, well distributed from top to bottom of its red stems, adorned with purple leaves. Resistant to limestone and drought, Gauras are unmatched for bringing lightness to sunny flower beds, even in fairly spartan growing conditions.

The Gaura lindheimeri belongs to the Onagraceae family and is a cousin of evening primroses. The natural range of Gaura lindheimeri is located at the borders of Mexico and the United States (prairies and warm pine forests of Louisiana and Texas, Houston). It is a short-lived perennial plant in cool and fertile soil, but it is one of the most floriferous plants. It is a good plant for dry gardens, which will fully satisfy gardeners in hot and dry regions in summer.

'Crimson Butterfly' is a hardy Australian horticultural selection, which withstands temperatures of around -15°C (5°F) for short periods and in well-drained soil. The plant forms a small bushy clump, weakly spreading, 60-70 cm (24-28in) in height and width, from a basal rosette. It is the branched, numerous and slender flowering stems that give the plant its bushy appearance. Flowering occurs in successive waves, from mid-spring to autumn. The dark purple flower buds open into flowers with 4 spreading petals, centred on a cluster of long flexible stamens. They resemble butterflies with their silhouette and deep pink colour. Their size is comparable to that of typical Gaura varieties. In spring the purple branches bear very dark shoots. These unfold into small elongated leaves, similar to willow leaves, with the purple lamina turning more or less dark green in summer. These small leaves are fuzzy on both sides, they are usually deciduous in winter, but may partially persist on the stems in mild winters. The root system is a taproot that allows the plant to anchor itself in poor or rocky soils.

Gauras have quickly become the stars of urban flower beds and gardens. This success is due to their incredible floriferousness and their rapid growth. These plants, which seem unaffected by climatic changes, quickly become indispensable for those who have experienced them. Wherever they are planted, they bring lightness, volume, and grace. Gaura lindheimeri 'Crimson Butterfly' fits in all gardens and on all balconies. It has its place in herbaceous borders, alongside paths or flower and shrub beds. It pairs well with ground-cover roses, grows between shrubs like abelias and deutzias, accompanies small ornamental grasses, catmints, bellflowers, or carnations. This Gaura thrives in pots and balcony planters.