Common Name: blanket flower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Red rays with yellow tips and burgandy center
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Cut
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Drought
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants prefer organically rich, moist soils that drain well, but tolerate some dry soils and drought once established. Plants also generally tolerate heat, humidity and poor soils. Plants may perform poorly in heavy clay soils. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom and tidy the planting and encourage reblooming. If plants get too leggy and need rejuvenated in summer consider cutting them back to basal growth.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaillardia is a genus of about 30 species of annuals, perennials and biennials found in West, Central and Southern North America and South America. They are mostly found in open sunny prairie and hillsides. They are grown for their bright flowers.
Genus name honors Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th century French botanist.
'Frenzy' is a floriferous compact gaillardia that was introduced into commerce by Skagit Gardens as part of a new gaillardia series called COMMOTION. From a mound of lance-shaped medium green leaves rise flowering stems to 18" tall topped from late spring to fall with daisy-like flowers. Each flower features fluted red rays with bright yellow ray tips surrounding a burgundy yellow center. Flowers are fragrant. Flowers are attractive to butterflies. Lance-shaped medium green leaves (to 3-6” long). Parents of 'Frenzy' are a Gaillardia 'Fanfare' seedling (female parent) and a single plant mutation of Gaillardia 'Burgunder' (male parent). U.S. Plant Patent PP19,943 was issued on April 21, 2009.
Problems
Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly during periods of protracted heavy summer rains. Susceptible to powdery mildew, aster yellows and fungal leaf spot diseases. Watch for aphids and leafminer.
Uses
Perennial borders, cottage gardens and cutting gardens. Excellent addition to a butterfly garden. Large patio containers.