Blanket Flower.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 10

Bloom time

Summer through fall

Care

Provide plenty of sun and well-draining soil; deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Avoid overwatering, especially in humid conditions.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce watering once established as they are drought tolerant.

Feeding

Generally does not require fertilizer; if needed, use a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote more blooms and prevent self-seeding. Cut back plants in late fall or early spring.

Repotting

Divide clumps every 1-2 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and control spread.

Soil

Well-draining, sandy or loamy soils.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

Temperature

-23.3 to 32.2°C

Humidity

20 to 50%

Safety

People

This plant is not considered toxic to humans, though ingesting it may cause mild stomach upset.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

There are no significant toxicity concerns for children, but it's always wise to supervise young children around plants.

Edibility

While not typically considered poisonous, it is best to avoid consuming any part of this plant.

How to identify it

• Daisy-like flowers
• Ray florets often bicolor
• Clump-forming habit
• Coarse, toothed leaves
• Drought tolerant

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

Green, Gray-green, evergreen

Flowers

Red, Orange, Yellow, Bicolor, 4 to 8cm

Common problems

• Powdery Mildew — A white, powdery growth on leaves and stems, common in humid conditions or with poor air circulation.
• Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to yellowing leaves and plant death.
• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant and spread disease.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on leaves.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant Gaillardia grandiflora with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials for a vibrant, low-maintenance garden.

Grows well with

• Echinacea — These two plants share similar sun and soil requirements and bloom at overlapping times, creating a beautiful display.
• Coreopsis — Coreopsis also thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and provides cheerful yellow blooms that complement the blanket flower's colors.
• Rudbeckia — Black-eyed Susans offer a similar native appeal and bloom period, adding vertical interest and attracting pollinators.
• Salvia — Many Salvia varieties pair well, offering contrasting flower shapes and colors while also attracting pollinators.

Keep away from

• Hostas — Hostas generally prefer shade and moist soil, which are the opposite conditions required by Gaillardia grandiflora, potentially leading to poor growth for both.
• Ferns — Most ferns prefer shady, moist environments and would not thrive in the full sun and drier conditions Gaillardia needs.

Similar species

• Gaillardia aristata — This is one of the parent species of G. grandiflora, sharing many characteristics but often being a more delicate perennial.
• Gaillardia pulchella — The other parent species, known for its annual or short-lived perennial nature and vibrant red and yellow flowers.
• Coreopsis tinctoria — Can sometimes be confused due to similar daisy-like flower forms, but Coreopsis tinctoria is typically an annual with finer foliage.

Science

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Gaillardia

Order

Asterales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Hybrid, originating from North American parents.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It is a resilient plant that thrives in disturbed areas and prairies, often outcompeting weeds due to its drought tolerance.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, cut flowers, pollinator gardens

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much sun does Gaillardia grandiflora need?

It thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What kind of soil is best?

It prefers well-drained soil; it can tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky soils.

How often should I water it?

Water regularly when young, but established plants are very drought-tolerant and only need watering during prolonged dry spells.

Does it need deadheading?

Yes, deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and can prolong the blooming season.

Is it a perennial or annual?

It is typically grown as a perennial, though its lifespan can vary depending on climate and care.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Gaillardia' honors Gaillard de la Borie, an 18th-century French magistrate and patron of botany. The species name 'grandiflora' simply means 'large-flowered'.

Good to know

• The common name 'Blanket Flower' comes from the Native American legend that the flowers were used to make blankets.
• Its petals often resemble a fringed blanket.
• It's a hybrid species, a cross between Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pulchella.
• Gaillardia grandiflora is very drought-tolerant once established.