Botanical Name: Gaura lindheimeri ‘Bantam White’

Common Name: Gaura, Wandflower

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 12–18" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Upright, Airy, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering); Tolerates Light Shade

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Pure White Butterfly-Like Flowers, Compact Size, Long Bloom Season, Excellent Heat Tolerance, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Borders, Containers, Pollinator Gardens, Mass Plantings, and Cottage-Style Designs

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Gaura Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Gaura ‘Bantam White’

Gaura ‘Bantam White’ is a refined, compact selection of gaura prized for its delicate white flowers that appear to float above the foliage. The blooms resemble tiny butterflies dancing on slender stems, adding lightness and motion to the garden from late spring through fall.

Unlike traditional gaura varieties that can grow tall and floppy, ‘Bantam White’ was bred to stay shorter, denser, and more controlled, making it far easier to use in containers and smaller garden spaces while still delivering the signature airy look gaura is known for.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Bantam White’ has been extremely reliable in full sun, heat, and humidity. It establishes quickly, holds its compact form without staking, and continues flowering steadily even during the hottest part of summer.

We especially appreciate its versatility. It works beautifully as a container filler, a front-to-mid border perennial, or a pollinator plant where its long bloom window provides ongoing nectar for bees and butterflies. Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Bantam White vs. Other Gaura Varieties

Gaura Bantam White stands apart immediately for its compact, controlled habit, making it the most space-efficient option in this lineup. Compared to Whirling Butterflies, which has a loose, airy presence, Bantam White is tighter and more intentional, better suited for containers, edging, and smaller garden beds. Its pure white flowers echo the look of Belleza White, but Bantam White stays noticeably shorter and denser, with far less movement. This makes it easier to design with in structured landscapes where predictability matters.

Bantam White prioritizes neatness over drama. It doesn’t offer the multicolor foliage of Passionate Rainbow or the saturated pink tones of Belleza Dark Pink, but it compensates with exceptional uniformity and balance. Gardeners who love the delicate look of Gaura but struggle with floppiness or overgrowth often find Bantam White to be the most manageable choice. It’s ideal where a refined, low-maintenance Gaura is needed without sacrificing bloom longevity.