Species blanket flower
vibrant yellow-red flowers with maroonish-brown stamens and green sepals

blanket flower

Gaillardia aristata BARBICAN YELLOW RED RING

The Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata BARBICAN YELLOW RED RING) offers an amazing display of bright yellow and red daisy-like flowers all season long that will turn any garden into a delightful oasis. Its long-blooming, drought-tolerant nature gives color and texture to any garden, making it an exceptional choice for planting in any sunny location. This classic wildflower is perfect for borders or in combination with other plants. The garden beauty of this showstopping bloom is further enhanced by its lemon fragrance. The Blanket Flower is an excellent addition to any sunny garden for its outstanding beauty and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Red and yellow bicolor Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Rocky

Fruits:

red,yellow Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blanket flower can thrive with moderate watering so it should receive enough water to keep the soil moist without becoming soggy. To determine the amount of water needed, feel the soil. If the soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water. Generally, we recommend watering Gaillardia Aristata twice every week. It is best to water thoroughly, providing enough water to make the soil moist to a depth of around 10 cm. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but avoid letting it dry out completely. Be sure to check the soil with your finger often to know when it’s time to water.

sunlight

The blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata BARBICAN YELLOW RED RING) does best with plenty of direct sunlight throughout its growing season. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth, with 8 hours or more being preferred. It should be placed in a location that receives full sun throughout the day for the best results. This plant is tolerant of hotter climates and will fare better with a more constant supply of sunshine during the day. Placing the blanket flower in a sheltered location will allow for it to absorb more sunlight, even during windy or rainy days. During the cooler fall and winter months, the plant will still benefit from the sunlight, but it should also have a reprieve from too much direct, intense sunlight to allow it to slow down and prepare for the winter.

pruning

Blanket flowers should be pruned in early spring, just before or as new growth begins. It is best to prune lightly, cutting back only the old flowering stems and any straggly growth. Deadheading to remove spent blooms may also be necessary to keep the plant's vigor and encourage further blooming.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Blanket flowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Blanket flowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Gaillardia aristata BARBICAN YELLOW RED RING is usually in July or August.

Hardiness Map

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.