Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) gay-LARD-ee-ah pull-KEL-lah Genus:  Gaillardia Blanket flower is a bushy annual that produces red or yellow (or red and yellow) flowers over a long season. The blooms are daisy-shaped with a dark purple central disk. Growing to about 18 inches tall, this native of central and southern U.S. and Mexico is nice in a meadow, cut flower garden, border, or rock garden. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Colorful flowers all summer long. U.S. native. Good cut flower. Care:  Grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Gaillardia tolerates poor soil. Deadhead consistently, but leave some seedheads for the birds. Propagation:  Start seeds indoors in early spring at 55° to 64°F or sow directly in the garden in late spring or early summer. Problems:  Watch for aphids, thrips, slugs and snails. Plants may rot in poorly drained soils, and they are prone to mildews, rust, white smut, and leaf spots as well.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Red, Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower Style Meadow Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Annuals