Common Name: blanket flower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 1.75 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Yellow and red bicolor
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Drought
Culture
A short-lived perennial, easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers moist, organically rich soils that drain well but tolerates some dry soils. Performs poorly in unamended, heavy clay soils. Many hybrid cultivars may be grown from seed. For those that can, sow seed directly in the garden after last frost date or start seed indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Set seedlings out after last frost date. Space plants 12-18” apart depending on size. Deadheading spent flowers is not necessary but will tidy the planting and may encourage additional bloom. If flowering declines in summer, consider cutting back plants to encourage a fall bloom. Seed strains will self-seed in optimum growing conditions if flowers are not deadheaded.
Noteworthy Characteristics
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), inheriting its perennial habit from the former and its long flowering period and rapid growth rate from the latter. Typically grows 2-3’ tall on upright stems that are mostly leafless at the top. Features daisy-like flowers (3-4” diameter) in a wide variety of color arrangements, but usually featuring yellow to orange to red rays with maroon to orange banding at the petal bases and dark burgundy center disks. Double-flowered forms and dwarf selections are also available. Blooms late spring to fall. Lance-shaped gray-green leaves (to 3-6” long). Flowers are attractive to butterflies. In areas where goldfinches are present, gardeners should consider leaving some spent flowerheads for the birds.
Genus name honors Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th century French botanist.
The hybrid name grandiflora means large-flowered.
Gaillardia is commonly called blanket flower in probable reference to the resemblance of its rich and warm flower colors and patterns to blankets woven by Native Americans. However, some authorities suggest that the name blanket flower was originally in reference to the habit of wild species plants to form colonies which blanketed the ground.
'TNSF' is a compact selection of hybrid blanket flower that features a long-lasting display of 4" wide blooms atop sturdy stems from early summer to early fall. The blooms have tubular, yellow ray florets with 3-4 notched lobes and contrasting red bases. Mature plants will reach around 0.75' tall and spread to fill a 1.75' area. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name SUN FLARE. This plant is protected by patent number PP23567.
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.
Uses
Perennial borders, cottage gardens and cutting gardens. Excellent fresh cut flower. May be naturalized in wild areas.