Pink Fountain Whirling Butterflies

Pink Fountain is the trade name for 'Walgaupf', a dense, pink-flowered gaura selection with an unusually long display on wiry stems. The flowers open a few at a time, giving sunny borders and containers a light, moving accent from spring into fall. ## Growth and seasonal display Darwin Perennials lists plants at 24–36 inches tall and 16–18 inches wide, while another grower lists 24–30 inches for both dimensions; the label ranges below preserve these published differences. Missouri Botanical Garden records 'Walgaupf' as the cultivar name behind Pink Fountain and documents U.S. Plant Patent PP15,555, issued February 15, 2005. Flowers are soft pink, and the breeder's culture guide lists bloom from spring through autumn. See the [Darwin Perennials culture guide](https://www.darwinperennials.com/utility/culturesheetpdf.aspx?txtphid=028000832011591) and [Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder](https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&pt=8&taxonid=258987&tt=1). ## Siting Choose full sun and a well-drained soil; sandy or loamy beds suit the plant. Its dense branching makes the flower wands easier to use in a mixed border, a grouped planting, or a large container. The soft pink blooms also make useful cut stems. Allow room for a plant that may reach about 2–3 feet in height, and avoid heavy, persistently wet soil. ## Maintenance Water regularly while roots establish, then let the soil dry somewhat between waterings. The taprooted plant tolerates heat and some drought; Overdevest specifically notes drought tolerance once established. Remove old flower stems for a neater look and to make room for fresh growth. Pink Fountain is vegetatively maintained for its cultivar traits, so seedlings should not be assumed to match the named selection.