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 CharacteristicsColorful flowers all summer long. U.S. native. Good cut flower.
CareGrow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Gaillardia tolerates poor soil. Deadhead consistently, but leave some seedheads for the birds.
PropagationStart seeds indoors in early spring at 55° to 64°F or sow directly in the garden in late spring or early summer.
ProblemsWatch 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.
- Genus : Gaillardia
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 11
- Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
- Plant Type : Annuals
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Light : Full Sun
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Flower Color : Red, Yellow
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
