Gaura lindheimeri

Gaura lindheimeri is a fabulous, graceful, low-maintenance perennial—in fact, its name comes from the Greek word gauros, which means superb. Also known as wandflower or Lindheimer's beeblossom, it produces whirling blooms loved by bees and butterflies, on stems that can range from 40cm-1.2m in height (depending on maturity, soil conditions, and so on). Growing it in a container will encourage it to remain compact. Wiry stems carry numerous flowers, each with four petals and around 2.5cm across. Flowers are white or pale pink, or a combination of the two.    

This Gaura lindheimeri lasts as long time in bloom, far longer than most perennials. The main flower blast is in early summer, but you can expect further flushes to keep recurring well into autumn. Grow Gaura lindheimeri (or Oenothera lindheimeri) in a free-draining soil, in a sunny, sheltered spot, and it will keep coming back, year after year. It's hard to find a better plant than this for lining paths and adding froth to flower beds. In fact, it is such a good garden plant, that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).