Gaillardia are widely known as ‘Blanket Flowers’, they get this name from the colorful flowers that remind us of the bright patterned blankets made by Native Americans. Most species are regarded as hardy from UDSA zones 3 to 10.
With daisy like flowers and may be either perennial or annuals depending on species. They are also repeat flowering, and although they do not need deadheading, they will look before if trimmed back.
Gaillardia pulchella is regarded as an annual, while Gaillardia grandiflora is a perennial and may be divided in early spring.
The flowers attract both birds and bees to the garden as well as some species of butterflies.
Gaillardia Care
Gaillardia are sun loving and are regarded as being drought tolerant. They are also mainly frost tolerant and can easily be grown from seed.
Seeds can be started indoors in late winter and transplanted out in mid spring, they should flower well in the first season.
- Choose a sunny position and a humus rich well drained soil.
- Dig a little compost.
- Plant seeds, or seedlings.
- Water in well.
- Keep moist until established.
Growing to 2-3 ft in good conditions gaillardia may only grow to 6 inches in very tough dry conditions, however they will survive.
Gaillardia require little pruning, spent flower heads may be removed if required.
Varieties
Gaillardia grandiflora, Gaillardia aristata and Gailardia pulchella are popular species.
Cultivars include :
- Gaillardia aristata ‘Arizona Sun’,
- Gaillardia ‘Fanfare’
- Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’
