Blanket Flower

For non-stop color from early summer to fall, blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) is a top pick. Daisy-like blooms in orange, red, yellow ignite the garden and attract butterflies.

About This Plant

Flowers rise above hairy, gray-green leaves. Petals may be solid or banded (red/orange with yellow), frilled, or tubular. Heights: 10–12 inch dwarfs to 24–30 inch tall. Easy care, few pests/diseases, hardy Zones 3–9. Annual Gaillardia pulchella grows easily from seed (start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost).

Popular Perennial Cultivars

• 'Arizona Sun': 8–10 inches, bright orange-red tipped yellow.
• 'Fanfare': 14 inches, unique trumpet-shaped deep red petals tipped yellow.
• 'Tokajer': 2 feet, marmalade-orange shading to peach; may need staking.
• 'Burgundy': 24–30 inches, large 3-inch wine-red blooms.
• 'Oranges and Lemons': 2 feet, softer peach/yellow with gold cones; Zones 5–9.

Site Selection

Full sun and very well-drained soil are mandatory. Prefers loose, sandy, not overly fertile soil, pH neutral to slightly alkaline. Drought-tolerant once established.

Planting Instructions

Spring or fall ideal. Space dwarfs 1 foot, tall 18 inches. Loosen soil 12–15 inches, add 2–4 inches compost. Plant at container depth, water thoroughly.

Care

Deadhead regularly for more blooms. Plants can be short-lived; cut back to 6 inches in late summer to improve winter survival. Divide every 2–3 years in spring/fall. Water new divisions until established. Watch for aphids/leafhoppers spreading aster yellows (stunted, green flowers)—destroy infected plants. Control insects with insecticidal soap if needed.