Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora
A low-maintenance herbaceous perennial perfect for a hot and sunny garden spot. Attracts butterflies and birds. Dasiy-like blooms make attractive cut flowers.
Size: 2-3' high x 12-18" wide
Growing Requirements
Full Sun
Grow in well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay. Heat and drought tolerant once established; performs best with only infrequent deep watering. Too much water will shorten their lifespan. Hardy in zones 3-8. Tends to be short-lived perennial but may reseed. Does best in gravel mulch.
Culture & Care
Blanket flower can also grow on their own with little care or attention and has few issues. Can be fertilized at planting and again monthly. Shear spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming. Cut back in late summer to about 6″ to increase chances of winter survival. Fertilize in fall. Leave a few seed heads to encourage re-seeding. Remove old foliage, cut back to 1-2″ above soil, before new leaves emerge in mid-spring. Dig up and divide every 2 -3 years in spring or early fall for healthier plants.
Varieties
Arizona Red Shades
An early blooming dwarf blanket flower with gray-green foliage and abundant crimson-red flowers sometimes with yellow tips, from late spring to fall. The compact size, uniform habit, and spreading foliage makes this a good plant for the border or in pots. Grows 10-12″ tall x 12″ wide.
Burgundy
Gray-green foliage with wine-red flowers, blooming early summer through first frost if kept dead-headed. Dwarf form. Well-suited for perennial borders.
