Southern Beeblossum, Gaura (Oenothera simulans, formerly Gaura angustifolia)
Southern Beeblossum, Gaura (Oenothera simulans, formerly Gaura angustifolia)
Description: Annual with basal leaves and 2-4 ft long spikes of white-turning-pink blossoms. Attractive, especially in a mixed planting. Visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but often pollinated by night-flying insects.
Natural Habitat: Rock pinelands and sandy areas in Miami-Dade; widespread in SE Coastal Plain.
Planting and Care: Full or partial sun, tolerates dry and poor-quality soil, as well as mild salt spray.
Pros: Attractive flowers. Drought and disease-resistant, can grow in coastal areas. Larval host of the White-lined Sphinx Moth and the Clouded Crimson Moth.
Cons: Annual, may self-seed extensively if ground is open.
Note: As ranges of butterflies can fluctuate over time, planting host plant(s) may not automatically result in bringing a desired species to a given area.