Blanket Flower
Gaillardia
Blanket Flower Plant Features
Native to the American prairies, gaillardia, commonly called blanket flower, is a tough, drought-resistant, sun-loving perennial that's super easy to grow. Blanket flower's festive, solid or patterned flowers in red, orange, or yellow appear throughout the summer and will attract scores of colorful butterflies to your garden. The flowers appear on sturdy stems held high above the plant's foliage. Most varieties of blanket flower grow 18 to 22 inches tall. Hardy from zones 5-9.
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Blanket Flower Growing Instructions
Blanket flower has simple needs. All it really wants is a sunny spot and an occasional drink of water. They aren't fussy about soil type, but do prefer a well drained spot that doesn't stay muddy after a heavy rain. In the northern parts of their range, a light winter mulch will help them handle below zero temperatures. Blanket flowers also grow well in containers.
Divide blanket flowers every two or three years to keep the plants vigorous. It can be a short-lived perennial so add new plants every few years.
Blanket flower may be a feast for butterflies, but it's not intended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Orange, Red, Yellow
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Water
Moist, well-drained soil
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Deer/rabbit resistant
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Blanket Flower with these varieties:
Coreopsis is a great partner for gaillardia because both plants bloom at the same time and are similar in height.
The tall bloom spikes of red hot poker are a great companion for blanket flower.
Varieties: Our Favorites
Arizona Apricot Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Arizona Apricot'
An award winner, ‘Arizona Apricot’ blanket flower develops lovely yellow petals that gradually darken to a rich apricot center. The plants bloom nonstop all summer, especially if you remove the faded flowers as they appear. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall. Zones 3-9
Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades'
Arizona Red Shades blanket flower is an award-winning selection that shows off rusty-red flowers all summer and into autumn. It grows 12 inches tall and wide. Zones 3-9
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun'
Bright red serrated flowers edged in yellow make ‘Arizona Sun’ a great choice for hot, sunny locations. This drought tolerant variety is an award winner. Zones 3-9
Flowers for Florida®
Gallo Dark Bicolor
Gaillardia 'Gallo Dark Bicolor
Gallo Dark Bicolor is a smaller-growing blanket flower variety that shows off large red-and-yellow flowers all summer and into the fall. It grows 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Zones 6-9
Gallo Peach Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Gallo Peach'
A newer variety, 'Gallo Peach' blanket flower shows off a steady supply of lovely sunny-yellow flowers accented with peachy-orange centers. Zones 6-9
Gallo Red Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Gallo Red'
Easy to grow and flowering nonstop throughout the summer, 'Gallo Red' blanket flower features lovely red-orange flowers that attract tons of butterflies. Zones 6-9
Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Mesa Bicolor'
Enjoy a constant stream of amazing yellow flowers with red centers when you plant ‘Mesa Bicolor’ blanket flower. It the perfect choice for the sunny border or containers. It grows 18 inches tall. Zones 5-9
Mesa Yellow Blanket Flower
Gaillardia 'Mesa Yellow'
Award-winning Mesa Yellow blanket flower is sure to bring your yard (or container gardens) to life with its constant display of cheery yellow flowers. Mesa Yellow grows 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 5-10