Carpet the garden in vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms.
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Sun-loving blanket flowers are a beloved native wildflower abuzz withbutterfliesand native bees.
Flowering spring through fall, blanket flowers are a must-have for native plant enthusiasts and butterfly gardeners alike.
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The cheerful flowers look lovely massed in perennial beds and are perfect for naturalizing into meadows and prairie plantings.
Sow lower-growing varieties at the front of mixed borders or tuck them into cottage gardens.
The taller-stemmed varieties make excellent cut flowers, providing an endless supply of blooms.
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Watch for goldfinches and other songbirds feeding on the tiny seed heads in autumn.
The genusGaillardiaincludes some 30 species of annuals, perennials, and biennials from North and South America.
Manyspecies and some hybrids readily self-sow in the garden.
Provide plants with good drainage and plenty of sunshine, and youll be rewarded with an abundance of blooms.
Blanket Flower Care
Blanket flowers are commonly found covering hillsides and open prairies.
They are drought tolerant, making them perfect for water-wise gardens.
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Consider growing blanket flowers in containers or raised beds if you have heavy or poor-draining soil.
Light
Blanket flowers need full sun to bloom, at least 6 hours a day.
Plants do not grow well in heavy clay soils, where they commonly rot during the winter.
Water
These plants have low to medium water needs.
Blanket flowers are drought tolerant once established and only require supplemental water during extended dry periods.
Seeds and young transplants need consistent moisture to establish.
Hybrids benefit from moister soils.
Fertilizer
There is generally no need to fertilize blanket flowers as they flower best on poor soil.
Some species will flop over when grown in rich soils.
Hybrids are more tolerant of fertile soil.
Seed is widely available and germinates readily to add quick color to sunny gardens.
Hybrid Blanket Flowers
Gaillardia x grandiflorais a hybrid of the perennial speciesGaillardia aristateand the annual speciesGaillardia pulchella.
Others are available for purchase as seeds that can be easily germinated indoors or sown directly in the garden.
Note that some hybrids will not come true from seed.
Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date for your area.
Perennial gaillardia bloom in their first season.
Look for healthy plants with clean foliage and compact stems.
Transplant blanket flowers into the garden after the threat of frost has passed in spring.
Hardening off slowly acclimates plants to outdoor conditions to avoid shocking them with the drastic change in environment.
Increase the length of time seedlings are outside each day and slowly increase exposure to sunlight and wind.
By the end of the week, plants can be set in full sun and left outside overnight.
Pay attention to watering as plants will require more water outside due to wind and higher temperatures.
Once plants are hardened off, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Pruning Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers require very little pruning to maintain healthy plants.
Deadheading is generally not necessary, however removing spent blooms may encourage additional flowering.
Deadheading may also help prolong the life of these short-lived plants as they put less energy into maturing seeds.
If your plants fail to bloom, check that they are receiving adequate light.
Plants need at least six hours of direct sun each day.
The same is true of excess water, which damages roots and causes plant stress.
Be sure you are not over-pruning, which can remove flower buds.
Overwintering Blanket Flower
Under the right conditions, blanket flowers overwinter in the garden with little care.
The most common reason plants die during the winter months is poorly draining soil which leads to root rot.
In colder climates, a layer of leaves or straw can help insulate plants against soil heaving.
Remember, blanket flowers are short-lived.
you’ve got the option to also collect seed and start it indoors as described above.
Because individual plants are short lived, they seldom require division.
Division can help to improve vigor and extend the life of plants.
Plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when they are overcrowded, or weather brings humid conditions.
Avoid problems with powdery mildew by properly spacing plants to ensure good air circulation.
Aster yellows can also be a problem.
This common disease is transmitted by leafhopper insects and cannot be treated once established.
It causes stunted or deformed growth and green flowers.
Remove and destroy any infected plants to control the spread of aster yellows.
Aphids and thrips may feed on plants but are not considered to be serious pests.
Provide adequate drainage in containers and avoid excess irrigation in pots and garden beds.
Site plants properly in the garden to help prevent this problem.
Plant blanket flowers in loose, well-draining soil.
