Gaura is a long-lived perennial which is native to North America.  It forms flowers in shades of white and pink on the ends of slender wand like stems.  The airy, informal form of these plants looks good both in the border and in a planting with grasses.  The spider like flowers will bloom from late spring to early autumn.   Although very drought tolerant they will bloom profusely with moderate water in well-drained soil.  Tolerate partial shade but prefer full sun.  Gauras are both resistant to deer and attractive to butterflies and bees.  Cut off seed bearing spikes to promote bloom, control size and improve appearance.  Both gauras at Markham will bloom from early summer into October. 
 

Crimson Butterfly
Last year's supply of this Gaura sold out rapidly so we made sure to have more this year.  Foliage on this gaura is a very dark crimson when young and turns greener as it ages.  The flowers are a bright hot pink on red stems.  Size 24" high by 24" wide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Whirling Butterflies
This Gaura is new to Markham this year.  It has bright white flowers on bushy plants with red stems.  Foliage is green.  Size 18-24"high.  Might try with grasses and tall blue perennials such as Perovskia.