Gaillardia
Scientific Name :
Gaillardia
Common Name :
Blanket Flower
Blooming Season :
Summer
Plant Habit :
Upright
Water :
Medium
Position :
Sun
Height :
12-24 inches
Alcea (Hollyhock)
Achillea
Agapanthus
Agastache
Aquilegia
Astrantia
Buddliea
Buddliea Altternifolia
Canna Lily
Carnation
Delphinium
Echinacea
Echinops
Eryngium
Geranium
Gerbera
Geum
Gypsophila
Helenium
Herbs
Hosta
Iris
Lantana
Leucanthemum
Lupins
Monarda
Penstemon
Peonies
Phlox
Polemonium
Rudbeckia
Sidalcea
Tanacetum (Pyrethrum)
Thalictrum
Trollius
Verbena
Veronica
Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, is an easy to grow, short-lived perennial with richly colored, daisy-like flowers. There are over
two dozen species of Gaillardia and most are native to some area of North America. Most of the modern blanket flowers we
grow in our gardens are the hybrid Gaillardia X grandiflora
Gaillarida forms a slowly spreading mound. Although generally short-lived, it can reseed and sprawl through the garden.
Since the original plants are hybrids, expect some variation from self-seeding.
Leaves:
Lance-shaped gray-green leaves are sometimes lobed.
Flowers:
3 - 5 inches across, in various shades of yellow and red. Some have petals surrounding a center disk which produces
florets. Others have trumpet-shaped florets surround the entire disk.
Hardiness and Sun Exposure
Most blanket flowers will be reliably perennial hardiness does depend on the variety and the growing conditions,
Full sun is what these plants love best! Blanket flower can handle some partial shade, particularly in hot climates, but they
will get a bit floppy and will not flower as profusely.
Bloom Period
Blanket flowers have a long season of bloom, repeat flowering from mid-summer through Autumn
Blanket Flower Growing Tips
Gaillardia is not particular about soil pH, but it does need a well-draining soil. It will grow in somewhat moist conditions, but
heavy clay soil will probably kill it. Once established, Gaillardia is extremely drought tolerant. Poor soils seem to encourage
more flowering than rich soils, so go easy on the fertilizer.
Blanket flower is more commonly grown from purchased plants. Since the plants can be short-lived and they don't grow
true from seed, it is best to divide the plants every 2-3 years, to keep them going.
Plant blanket flower any time after frost and keep them well watered until you see them actively growing. Then you can
ease up on the water and let them acclimate to your garden.
Caring for Your Blanket Flower Plants
Blanket flower does not require deadheading to keep blooming, but the plants will look better and be fuller if you do cut the
stems back when the flowers start to fade. You will also get more continuous flowering with deadheading, so don't be shy
about it.
Divide Gaillardia plants every 2-3 years, to keep them from dying out.
Pests & Problems of Gaillardia
Blanket flower plants are usually problem free, but they are susceptible to aster yellows, a virus-like disease that can stunt
their growth and cause the flowers to be green. Aster yellows is spread by leaf-hoppers and aphids, so the best thing to do
is to encourage predators, like ladybirds. Plants that do get aster yellows should be destroyed. They will not recover and
the disease can continue to spread. Leafhoppers and aphids can spread disease. Hopefully, you will have enough natural
predators around to keep them in check.
