Utah State University

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Guara lindheimeri

Common Name   Guara, Whirling Butterflies

Family             Onagraceae

 

Description
Upright perennial, clumping, simple lanceolate leaves along stems that end in profusion of white, butterfly-like flowers.

Range
Texas westward.

Culture
Deep rooted, does best on rich soil. Tolerant of drought and alkaline soils. Tap rooted, does not transplant well once established.

Value
Guara is a phenomenal perennial, producing waves of delicate, butterfly-like flowers from July through October. The long flower spikes provide a marvelous background for lower-growing flowers. New cultivar "Siskiyou Pink" is very pink and quite attractive. Moderately common in the trade.

Propagation
Though often propagated from cuttings, seed can be started indoors by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide (from the market) for 24 hours. Rinse and cold treat for thirty days. Sow in container and cover to depth. Divisions may be done after the plant is established for a few years.

 

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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

        Aldo Leopold