Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
blanket flower
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun'
Blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun') is an amazing perennial with spectacular long-lasting blooms. This plant is native to North America and thrives in full sun, making it ideal for gardens in temperate climates. The vibrant orange-red daisy-shaped flowers create a dazzling display that's perfect for adding color to borders and beds. It's drought-tolerant, so it doesn't need much water and will attract pollinators. As if all that wasn't enough, it's also very low-maintenance and can be divided or divided for cuttings with ease. The blanket flower is definitely an amazing flower that will bring beauty to your garden.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Stem Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 10
Flowers:
Orange red with yellow-tipped petals Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Blanket flowers need moderate amounts of water when they are planted. Water them when they are first planted, then water lightly when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the hot summer months, water your blanket plants once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. In the winter, reduce watering to whenever the first inch of soil feels dry. If you are concerned about the amount to water your plants, test the soil; a moisture meter helps in this matter. Avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root-rot.
sunlight
The blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun') is a very sun-loving plant, requiring 6-8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. During the growing season, this plant prefers full sun in the morning and then a partial shade from mid-morning to late afternoon, as this will protect it in the summer when temperatures tend to rise. It can also tolerate slightly longer days of full sun if given some form of protection from the midday heat, such as shade cloth or trellising. In the winter months, blanket flower requires a bit less direct sunlight, so a few hours of morning light should be sufficient. Keep in mind, however, that no matter the season, blanket flower needs a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to continue growing and flowering.
pruning
For best results, Blanket Flower (Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun') should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring, prior to the growth of new shoots. Pruning can help remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems, and can also help to thin out the plant for better air circulation within the plant. Wait to prune Blanket Flowers until they are actively growing in the spring. Young plants do not require as much pruning as older ones since their stems are often quite pliable and can bend without breaking. Use sharp pruning shears or anvil pruners to trim back old, straggly stems to about 6-10 inches long, and remove any spent flower heads. Additionally, you can use cutters to thin out thick, tangled clumps of stems to ensure good air circulation within the plant. Finally, you can use pruners to pinch back new growth to encourage a more compact, bushy plant shape.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
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.
