How To Grow Blanket Flower: Essential Guide To Vibrant Blooms
Discover the secrets to cultivating vibrant blanket flowers (Gaillardia) for stunning, long-lasting color in your garden.
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Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Colorful Garden Star
Blanket flowers, commonly known as Gaillardia, are cherished for their brilliantly colored, daisy-like blossoms and impressive ability to bloom for months on end. These perennials or annuals are easy to grow and especially valued for their resilience to drought, heat, and poor soils, making them a favorite among beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Gaillardia—from variety selection, planting tips, and care guidelines, to garden design inspiration and answers to frequently asked questions.
Gaillardia At-a-Glance
| Common Names | Blanket flower, Gaillardia |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Gaillardia x grandiflora |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial or annual |
| Mature Size | 24–36 inches tall, 12–24 inches wide |
| Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Light, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA 3–10 |
| Flower Colors | Orange, red, yellow, bicolors, peach, white, purple |
| Native Area | Cultivars, no native range |
| Toxicity | Slightly toxic to humans |
What is Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Gaillardia, or blanket flower, is a genus of flowering plants celebrated for their warm, sunset-hued blooms and easy care. Their name is often attributed to the way their vibrant colors seem to “blanket” the ground in midsummer. Most garden varieties are hybrids (Gaillardia x grandiflora) bred for longer bloom times and compact growth. Blanket flowers are beloved for:
- Long-lasting blooms from early summer into fall
- Remarkable drought and heat tolerance
- Attracting bees, butterflies, and pollinators
- Ease of care and suitability for poor soils
Types and Top Varieties of Gaillardia
Both annual and perennial forms of Gaillardia are available, offering a range of heights, flower patterns, and colors. Here are some of the best types for gardens:
- Gaillardia x grandiflora: The most common perennial, prized for large, daisy-like blooms in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
- Gaillardia aristata: Native to North America, usually grown as a perennial; produces yellow or red-tipped flowers.
- Gaillardia pulchella: Annual species, also called Indian blanket; notable for its bicolor red and yellow flowers.
Popular Cultivars
- ‘Arizona Sun’: Compact, mound-forming; intense red petals with yellow tips.
- ‘Goblin’: Dwarf type, ideal for edging and containers; red centers and yellow edges.
- ‘Mesa Peach’: Soft peach and yellow tones, excellent for mass plantings.
- ‘Fanfare’: Unique pinwheel-shaped petals in red and yellow.
How to Grow Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Gaillardias are admired not just for their beauty but also for their ease of cultivation. Follow these steps for thriving plants:
Where to Grow Gaillardia
- Choose a site with full sun. Gaillardia requires at least six hours of direct sun daily for best flowering.
- Ensure well-drained soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal; clay or poorly drained soils should be amended or avoided.
- Raised beds or planting on small mounds help prevent root rot on heavy soils.
Soil Preparation
- Preference for lean, low-nutrient soil. Adding compost or manure is unnecessary; too much fertility promotes excess leafy growth over blooms.
- Soil pH should range from acidic to neutral.
Planting Instructions
- Best planted in spring, allowing time to establish before summer heat or winter cold.
- Space plants about 12–24 inches apart for ample air flow.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep moist until established.
For seeds, start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in the garden after risk of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
Companion Planting and Design Ideas
- Borders and beds: Their vivid blooms stand out in mixed perennial borders, paired with black-eyed Susan, coneflower, or Russian sage.
- Containers: Compact varieties perform well in pots. Ensure adequate drainage and use a gritty mix.
- Wildflower gardens: Combine with native prairie species for a naturalistic look.
- Pollinator gardens: Blanket flowers are pollinator magnets, ideal for attracting bees and butterflies.
Ongoing Care for Blanket Flower
Once established, Gaillardia requires minimal maintenance:
- Watering: Drought tolerant. Water young plants to establish roots, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in humid conditions.
- Fertilization: Generally unnecessary. Lean soil encourages maximum blooming. Too much fertilizer causes floppy growth and fewer flowers.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove faded blooms to prolong the flowering season and encourage new buds.
- Cutting back: At season’s end, cut plants back to tidy clumps. In very cold climates, apply a light mulch for winter protection, but avoid thick layers that retain moisture.
- Dividing: After two or three years, divide perennial Gaillardia clumps to rejuvenate vigor and prevent crowding.
Dealing with Pests and Problems
Blanket flowers are generally robust but may encounter a few issues:
- Pests: Aphids, slugs, and snails occasionally appear but rarely cause serious harm.
- Disease: Root rot is the most significant risk, especially in dense or wet soils. Good drainage is essential.
- Short-lived perennial: Many gaillardias live for just two or three years but will often self-seed, producing replacements naturally.
Propagation: How to Multiply Your Blanket Flowers
There are two main methods for propagating Gaillardia:
- By seed: Collect seeds from mature flower heads. Sow in spring—either indoors or directly outdoors after frost has passed. Seed-grown plants typically flower in their second year.
- By division: Every two or three years, lift clumps in early spring or late fall, split using a sharp spade, and replant divisions separately. This method is especially effective for perennial varieties.
Designing with Gaillardia: Garden Inspiration
Due to their long bloom time and bright colors, blanket flowers bring energy and movement to garden spaces. Consider these design tips:
- Mass planting along sunny borders for a bold sweep of color.
- Mix with ornamental grasses for a prairie-style effect that sways with the breeze.
- Interplant with other drought-tolerant perennials like lavender, salvia, and yarrow.
- Use in pollinator and wildlife gardens to invite butterflies and beneficial insects.
- Grow in containers to brighten patios and decks—choose dwarf varieties for best results.
Harvesting and Uses
- Gaillardia makes excellent cut flowers for vibrant summer arrangements. Harvest just after flowers open for best vase life.
- Mature blooms can be dried—remove petals and hang flower heads upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best location for planting Gaillardia?
Gaillardia thrives in locations with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid soggy or heavy clay soils by planting in raised beds or amending with coarse sand or grit.
How often should I water my blanket flowers?
Water new plants to help them establish, then water sparingly. Mature plants are drought tolerant and perform best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings.
Do blanket flowers need fertilizing?
Fertilizer is generally unnecessary. Rich soil or excessive feeding leads to lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Lean, low-nutrient soil is ideal.
Are Gaillardia plants toxic?
Gaillardia is considered slightly toxic to humans. While not highly dangerous, it is best to keep out of reach of pets and small children.
How do I encourage more blooms?
Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the summer and into fall.
Is Gaillardia a perennial or annual?
Gaillardia includes both annual and perennial species. Many garden cultivars are short-lived perennials, but reseed readily and often return year after year.
How do I propagate Gaillardia?
Propagate by dividing mature clumps every 2–3 years, or by sowing seeds saved from spent flower heads.
What problems might I encounter?
The most common problems are root rot from poor drainage and occasional aphids or slugs. These are easily managed with good cultural practices.
Conclusion
Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are among the easiest, most rewarding flowers you can grow. With minimal care, they produce vibrant blooms that light up the garden season after season. Their resilience, wildlife value, and vivid color make them a must-have for sunny borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Embrace their low-maintenance charm and enjoy months of dazzling color in your outdoor spaces.
References
- https://www.thespruce.com/blanket-flowers-1402030
- https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_gaar.pdf
- https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/gaillardia.html
- https://www.growveg.com/plants/us-and-canada/how-to-grow-gaillardia/
- https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-gaillardia/
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