Blanket flower
Gaillardia x grandiflora

Family: Compositae

What it is like

Gaillardia x grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Butterflies birds. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

A hybrid.

Garden origin.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaf . The species Gaillardia pinnatifida dried seeds can be ground into a powder then kneaded into seed butter and spread on bread but no information was found for Gaillardia × grandiflora.

Medicine

Rating: 0

The species Gaillardia pinnatifida is known as a diuretic, taken to give relief from painful urination. And an infusion of the leaves is taken internally, and a poultice applied externally, in the treatment of gout. No information could be found on Gaillardia × grandiflora.

Other

Rating: 3

Ground cover for compact cultivars. Compact cultivars include G. x grandiflora “Arizona Sun” with stunning mahogany-red rimmed golden yellows (0.3m 12inches). G. x grandiflora “Mesa Peach” and “Mesa Red” (0.4m, 18 inches). Landscape uses include beds, borders, patios and containers. Locations include rock gardens, cottage garden, meadow, prairie, coastal, cutting garden and food forest. Sometimes grown as an annual. Attractive to butterflies and native bees. Insectory - excellent source of nectar for butterflies. Seeds provide food for birds. Good For Cut Flowers, Good For Containers, Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks).

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Cut flowers: Cut flowers are flowers or flower buds (often with some stem and leaf) for decorative use.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

A short-lived perennial winter hardy to USDA Zones 3. It prefers full sun, sandy, Loamy or Silty soil, and moderate to dry soil moisture. Soil pH: 5.5 - 7.9. Gaillardia × grandiflora is drought tolerant but prefers a moist well-drained soil. Performs poorly in unamended heavy clay soils. Gaillardia × grandiflora is a tetraploid hybrid resulting from a cross between a 3’ tall perennial gaillardia (G. aristata) and a 2’ tall annual gaillardia (G. pulchella). It arguably inherited its perennial habit from the former and its long flowering period and rapid growth rate from the latter. Flower Color: Orange, Red, Rust, or Yellow. Blooms late spring to fall. Heat zones 1 -8. Plants are so prolific and long blooming that they often exhaust themselves and are then short-lived. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Several cultivars exist, among them 'Arizona sun' and 'Arizona red shades'. Minimum Root Depth: 16 inches. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is clumping, giving the plant a 'clumping' habit. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.

Propagating it: Seed, basal cuttings, or division. Dividing them in spring or early fall every two to three years will improve vigor.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The juice, sap, or thorns of these plants may cause a skin rash or irritation.

Its other names

Local names

Gaillardia hybrid, Blanket flower, Arizona Sun Blanket Flower,

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.