Sun Requirements
Full sun for best flowering, but can thrive in part shade especially in warm summer areas.
Bloom Period and Seasonal Color
Gaillardia blooms on and off all summer.
Mature Height x Spread
10 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Gallardia, or blanket flower, is a native plant that grows as a short-lived perennial (hardy to zone 3) or as an annual variety, depending on the selection. The 1- to 2-foot tall plants feature orange or yellow daisy-like flowers. Recent breeding has expanded the color range to include red, apricot and peach colors. Many selections will have two colors banded across the flower petals. This flower has gray-green, hairy leaves, is relatively pest free and can self sow readily. It’s a versatile plant growing well in the gardens, containers, meadows and as a cutflower.
When, Where and How to Plant
Plant gaillardia plants in a full sun location after all danger of frost has passed. If grown in too much shade the flower stems can become leggy and flop over. You can start plants from seed indoors or purchase transplants from garden centers. Plant seedlings and transplants in well-drained, compost-amended soil. Gaillardia may struggle to come back each year if grown in clay soils. It also likes a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, so adding lime may be necessary. Gaillardia can be planted in fall in warm winter areas to avoid the hot summer conditions the first year. Gaillardia is drought tolerant once established.
Growing Tips
Although gaillardia plants are drought tolerant newly sown seeds and planted seedlings should have a consistent supply of water until they get established. Mulching around the plants helps conserve moisture and keeps weeds away. The plants grows well with average soil fertility. If you amend the soil too much with compost or add to much fertilizer it may delay flowering.
Gaillardia has a long bloom period that can be enhanced by deadheading spent flowers. However, gaillardia are either annuals or short-lived perennials in most gardens,. To keep your plants coming each year you’ll need to let some of them drop seed and self-sow in summer and fall. If you want new seedlings, leave some spent flowers on the plant into fall.
Also, gaillardia are a magnet for bees, butterflies and birds. The bees and butterflies enjoy the nectar and pollen of the flowers while the birds feast on the seeds in fall. Leave some extra seed heads for the birds.
Plant Care
Gaillardias have few insect and disease problems and are deer and rabbit resistant. On heavy clay soils, root rot may be a problem but is remedied by planting in raised beds and amending the soil with organic matter to enhance water drainage.
Some plants may get infested with aster yellows viral disease. This is spread by leaf hopper insects. This disease stunts the plants and causes the flowers to be green colored. Remove and destroy infected plants. Control leaf hoppers with insecticidal soap to help stop the spread of aster yellows. Powdery mildew can infect the leaves causing them to yellow and dieback. Space plants further apart and spray a baking soda or Bacillus subtilis organic pesticide to prevent powdery mildew from spreading.
Companion Planting and Design
Gaillardias bloom off and on all summer, especially the new hybrid selections. Plant in clumps in the front of a flower border to provide nice color. Pair them with other low growing perennials such as coreopsis, salvia, and sedum. Since they like the heat, gaillardia grows well with yarrow and echinacea as well. They make nice container plants, especially the more compact varieties. Mix them in containers with tall annual grasses and cascading annuals, such as dicondra and supertunias, for a nice visual effect.
Varieties
The wildflower gaillardia selections are the most likely to perennialize in meadows, wildflower fields and gardens. Look for Gaillardia grandiflora selections. It’s hardy to USDA zone 3, yet has a characteristics of an annual with a long bloom period and rapid growth. It comes in a wide variation in flower colors and plant sizes. Gaillardia pulchella is the annual version, but does self sow.
Some hybrids of the grandiflora-type of gaillardia includes the Arizona Series. ‘Arizona Sun’ that grows 8- to 10-inches tall with bright orange-red blossoms. ‘Arizona Red Shades’ features burgundy colored blooms on a dwarf plant. It also comes in an apricot colored variety. Other varieties include ‘Fanfare’, with its trumpet-shaped, deep red blooms on 1 foot tall plants. ‘Burgundy’ grows up to 3 feet tall with deep burgundy colored flowers. ‘Oranges and Lemons’ features peach and yellow colored blooms on 2 foot tall plants. It’s only hardy to USDA zone 5, though, and the seeds are sterile, so won’t self sow. ‘Mesa Yellow’ is an award winning variety with yellow flowers on a 2 foot tall plant. It also comes in a peach colored variety. It’s unique to this group because the plant grows true from seed.
As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of plant biology and gardening practices, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article on gaillardia, also known as blanket flower. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience, extensive research, and a passion for cultivating diverse plant species. Let's explore the key concepts outlined in the article:
Sun Requirements:
Gaillardia thrives in full sun, showcasing its best flowering potential. However, it demonstrates adaptability by being able to survive in part shade, particularly in warmer summer regions. This flexibility is crucial information for gardeners seeking to optimize the plant's performance based on their specific sunlight conditions.
Bloom Period and Seasonal Color:
Gaillardia is a versatile bloomer, producing flowers intermittently throughout the entire summer. The color palette has expanded through recent breeding efforts, offering shades beyond the traditional orange and yellow. The range now includes red, apricot, and peach colors, and some selections boast bi-colored petals. This extended and varied blooming period makes gaillardia an attractive choice for vibrant and dynamic garden displays.
Mature Height x Spread:
The plant's size varies, with gaillardia growing between 10 inches to 3 feet tall, contingent on the specific variety chosen. This information is crucial for garden planning and designing, ensuring proper spacing and complementing neighboring plants.
Planting Tips:
Gaillardia is recommended to be planted in full sun after the frost danger has passed. Adequate drainage is emphasized, and the soil type is a critical factor; it should be well-drained and compost-amended. The plant's adaptability is highlighted, as it can be grown from seed indoors or transplants from garden centers. In warmer areas, fall planting is suggested to avoid harsh summer conditions in the first year.
Growing Tips:
While gaillardia is drought-tolerant once established, newly sown seeds and seedlings require consistent watering. Proper mulching aids in moisture conservation and weed prevention. The article warns against excessive soil amendments, as too much compost or fertilizer may delay flowering. Deadheading spent flowers enhances the already long bloom period.
Plant Care:
Gaillardias are relatively low-maintenance, with few insect and disease problems. The plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. Specific issues like root rot on clay soils and aster yellows viral disease transmitted by leaf hoppers are addressed, providing practical solutions for maintaining plant health.
Companion Planting and Design:
Gaillardias make excellent front-of-border plants, especially when planted in clumps. Companion planting suggestions include pairing them with low-growing perennials like coreopsis, salvia, and sedum. Additionally, the article suggests combining gaillardia with heat-loving plants such as yarrow and echinacea. Container gardening is also recommended, showcasing the plant's versatility in various settings.
Varieties:
The article introduces different varieties of gaillardia, emphasizing their characteristics, sizes, and colors. It distinguishes between wildflower selections and hybrids, providing insights into their hardiness, growth habits, and unique features. This information aids gardeners in selecting the most suitable gaillardia variety for their specific conditions and preferences.
In conclusion, gaillardia, with its vibrant colors, adaptability, and relatively low maintenance, emerges as an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and visually appealing addition to their landscapes.
