Crimson Whirling Butterflies

Crimson Whirling Butterflies is a compact selection of gaura with reddish foliage and stems, topped by bright rose-pink flowers. Its airy branching wands move above the foliage from early summer into autumn, adding a light vertical accent to sunny borders. ## Garden Use The plant forms a clump about 18 inches tall, with narrow leaves and slender stems that contrast well with broad-leaved perennials and ornamental grasses. Place it near the front or middle of a border where the flowers can move freely and neighboring plants can soften the stems. Its pink flowers and red-tinted foliage provide color over a long season. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and soil that drains well. Gaura develops a deep taproot, and this cultivar has some drought tolerance once established. Its flowering stems open over a long summer-to-autumn season. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/143575/gaura-lindheimeri-crimson-butterfly/details) covers the cultivar's size, flowering period, position, and cultivation, while the [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-profiles/gaura) describes its compact habit and flower color. ## Maintenance Remove faded flower stems to encourage a longer display, then cut the plant back in early spring. Avoid rich, poorly drained soil, which can encourage stems to fall. Allow the plant to settle in place because its taproot makes moving established gaura difficult.