Gaillardia, commonly known as Blanket Flower, is a genus of around 20 species of herbaceous perennials and annuals belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to North and South America, Blanket Flowers are popular among gardeners for their brightly colored flowers that bloom for months. These resilient plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Their nectar-rich blooms also attract butterflies and bees, adding movement and life to any landscape.
Our Selection of Gaillardia
At Martin Garden Center, we stock 4″ Gaillardia in the Spring & Summer. We may not have a huge variety of colors, but we will have good-looking, blooming Gaillardia throughout the season. We are growing 5 varieties in 2025:
Growing and Caring For Gaillardia
Plant Gaillardia in the spring, allowing sufficient spacing between plants to promote air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Gaillardia thrives in full sun, and needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day.
Well-draining soil is another fundamental requirement for Gaillardia’s prosperity, mimicking the sandy or gravelly soils of its native plains. Soil with good drainage prevents the risk of waterlogged roots, which could prove detrimental to the plant’s health. Furthermore, Gaillardia thrives in soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, which enhances nutrient availability and absorption.
While the plant appreciates regular moisture during its establishment phase, it quickly adapts to drought conditions once its roots have gained a firm hold. Overwatering poses a greater threat than underwatering, as Gaillardia is prone to root rot in excessively moist soil. Gaillardia recovers with grace during periods of drought, but will die very ungracefully if overwatered.
Gaillardia benefits from regular deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. This practice prolongs the flowering season and prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. Additionally, cutting back Gaillardia in late summer or early fall can stimulate new growth and lead to a second flush of blooms. Use clean and sharp pruners to trim the plants down to a basal rosette of leaves, leaving the garden neat over the winter months.
Gaillardia is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to the garden. However, watching for common garden pests, such as aphids or spider mites, is always a good idea. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal diseases.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves typically form low, compact rosettes that emerge from the base of the plant, creating a dense and attractive ground cover. They come in many different shapes, from lanceolate to spatulate, and their edges may be smooth or slightly toothed, contributing to the plant’s unique and dynamic appearance. Gaillardia leaves are typically shades of deep green, grayish-green, and sometimes even silvery hues. The leaves surfaces may be adorned with fine hairs, lending a soft and textured feel upon touch.
The flowers are daisy-like, with a prominent central disk surrounded by ray-like petals that exude an air of cheerful exuberance. These petals exhibit an enchanting blend of hues, often featuring warm oranges, fiery reds, and vibrant yellows that seem to catch the sun’s essence. A remarkable feature of Gaillardia flowers is their bicolor or tricolor composition. The central disk ranges from shades of deep maroon to rich brown, while the surrounding petals boast red, orange, or yellow variations.
Uses in the Garden
- Colorful Flower Beds and Borders: One of the primary uses of Gaillardia in gardening is to add vibrant colors to flower beds and borders. With their bright and eye-catching daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, Gaillardia creates a stunning display that attracts attention and brings energy to garden spaces.
- Naturalistic and Wildflower Gardens: Gaillardia is well-suited for naturalistic or wildflower garden settings. Due to its hardiness, adaptability, and ability to self-seed, Gaillardia can establish itself in meadow-like landscapes. The wildflower appearance of Gaillardia, combined with its tolerance for varying soil conditions, makes it an excellent choice for creating a more relaxed and informal garden aesthetic.
- Drought-Tolerant Landscapes: Gaillardia’s tolerance for dry conditions and its ability to thrive in various soil types make it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes. These plants are well-adapted to regions with low water availability and can withstand periods of drought once established. When combined with other drought-tolerant plants, Gaillardia helps create a sustainable and visually appealing landscape that requires minimal irrigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaillardia a Perennial?
Gaillardia is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annual and perennial species. The most commonly cultivated species, Gaillardia pulchella, is often grown as an annual, but there are perennial species as well, such as Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pinnatifada.
Is Gaillardia Deer Resistant?
With its fiery blooms reminiscent of a summer sunset, Gaillardia often stands as a fortress against deer browsing. Its rugged foliage and bitter taste typically deter these graceful grazers from indulging in a floral feast. However, while Gaillardia may repel deer in many cases, the occasional nibble might occur, especially in times of scarcity or depending on local deer populations’ behavior.