blanket flower
Gaillardia 'Tokajer'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Orange rays with raspberry cone Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Tokajer') should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A weekly watering is usually best, but you may need to adjust this depending on your climate and soil conditions.Make sure to water thoroughly, until you see moisture come out of the drainage holes of the pot. If the pot does not have drainage holes, water until some run-off is visible in the saucer or bottom of the pot; then discard any excess water.Avoid watering every day or keeping the soil saturated, as this promotes root rot and fungal diseases. Reduce water during winter months, when the plant is actively growing less.
sunlight
Blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Tokajer') is a plant species that prefers full sun and thrives with at least 6-7 hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting in a sunny garden spot or in a container on a patio or deck will provide the necessary amount of light. During the summer, the plant should be placed in a location with morning sun and some afternoon shade. In the winter, blanket flowers should be given a full sun location to maximize growth. If temperatures rise above 80°F (26.6°C), some afternoon protection from the sun could be beneficial.
pruning
Pruning blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Tokajer') is a relatively easy task. When pruning, the main goal should be to preserve the shape and size of the plant. Start pruning in late winter or early spring before the bloom period begins, when the plant is dormant. Cut back the plant to the desired size and shape, typically removing up to 1-third of the top growth. Remove any dead, dying, or diseased stems. After the desired shape has been achieved, no further pruning is necessary unless the plant becomes overgrown. If so, it is acceptable to lightly prune in the late summer or early fall after it has finished blooming, but take care not to cut away all of the new buds or flowers, as some of them will be necessary for next year’s blooms.
FAQ
Should blanket flowers be deadheaded?
Yes, blanket flowers should be deadheaded as this will encourage new growth and help create more blooms during their blooming season. Deadheading is the removal of any spent or wilted flowers, typically by gently pinching them off the stem with your fingers or by using clean and sharp pruners. This helps promote new growth and will keep the flowers looking tidy and healthy while also aiding in the blooming process.
Could blanket flowers be used as cut flowers?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia species) are an ideal choice for cut flowers. These flowers are bright and cheery, with unique and eye-catching blooms. Unlike many other wildflowers and garden plants, blanket flowers have long-lasting blooms that can easily last up to two weeks when cut. They are also very drought-tolerant, meaning they won’t quickly wilt when placed in water. Additionally, blanket flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes, and can be arranged in a variety of ways, making them very versatile in flower arranging and bouquet making.
Should blanket flowers be planted in groups or singly?
Blanket flowers, also known as gaillardia, look the best when planted in groups of three or more. Planting them in groups helps to create an eye-catching wave of blooms throughout your garden and an overall more natural look. On the other hand, if you want a more manicured look in your garden, you could plant blanket flowers singly. However, it's important to note that blanket flowers thrive best when planted in groups, as they are natively designed to grow in clusters.
Are blanket flowers invasive?
No, blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are not considered invasive. These plants are actually native to North America and parts of Mexico and can often be found in areas such as meadows, roadsides, and open woodlands. Blanket flowers are also a popular garden plant due to their ease of care and tolerant nature to less than ideal soil conditions. They should not cause any damage to nearby ecosystems and can be a great addition to any garden.
Could blanket flowers be used in a wildflower meadow?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) can be used in a wildflower meadow. These drought-tolerant flowers are quite hardy and full of bright colors such as red, orange and yellow, adding an extra splash of color. Blanket flowers tend to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to their appeal as a great way to add both beauty and pollinators to a wildflower meadow. Furthermore, they are typically low-maintenance and require little to no care. This makes them an excellent choice for novice gardeners who want to enjoy the wildflower meadow look without too much work.
Should blanket flowers be mulched?
Yes, blanket flowers should be mulched. Mulching blanket flowers helps to insulate the roots from extreme temperatures, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. It also adds organic matter which helps to maintain healthy soil structure. Blanket flowers should be mulched with an organic mulch such as bark chips, wood chips, dried leaves, or straw. The mulch should be about two to three inches deep and kept away from the base of the plant.
Are blanket flowers self-seeding?
Yes, blanket flowers are self-seeding. This means that when the flower’s petals drop off, the seed pods are left behind. These pod will then eventually dry up and when the conditions are right the seeds will sprout and the process of self-seeding will begin again. This means that blanket flowers can easily spread and naturalize if the conditions are right.
Do blanket flowers attract pollinators?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) do attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The long-lasting, daisy-like flowers produce copious amounts of nectar that are a great attraction for these insects. Additionally, the bright colors of the flowers also help to draw in pollinators from far away. This species of flower is even known for attracting predatory wasps in to its flowers, which helps to keep insect pests under control as well.
