Species blanket flower
pink-red flower with red-yellow center and gray
 stem

blanket flower

Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder'

The blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder') is an amazing plant species that can instantly punch up any garden. This plant grows to heights of up to 24 inches, and bears beautiful, daisy-like blooms that come in a warm burgundy hue. Its foliage is also attractive, adding a wonderful contrast to the vibrant blooms. The blanket flower is a hardy, drought-tolerant species that blooms continuously from summer to fall, making it a great choice for a low-maintenance garden. With the right soil and water, this plant can give your garden stunning pops of color for months.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Wine red Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,yellow,burgundy

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder') is a drought and heat tolerant, low-maintenance perennial that prefers well-drained soil and needs regular watering in warm climates. Water the plant thoroughly, and then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, this plant should be watered every 3-4 days, or about once a week. In hotter climates, increase the watering frequency to every 2-3 days. In cooler climates, soil should retain more moisture, so water less frequently. In either case, make sure to check the soil regularly for dryness and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. In dry climates, water more frequently and in humid climates, water more sparingly.

sunlight

Blanket flower is a sun-loving plant, thriving best in full sun. This plant species needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight a day to reach its fullest potential. Provide blanket flower with plenty of sunlight to watch it bloom for months on end. However, when temperatures reach their highest, providing some temporary shade during the hottest part of the day, such as the early afternoon, may be beneficial to the overall health of the plant.

pruning

Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder') requires minimal pruning, as it blooms on the current season's new growth. Pruning is best done in the spring or summer after the plants have finished blooming and have had time to produce new buds. To keep your blanket flower looking its best, gently pinch off spent flowers with your thumb and forefinger. This encourages additional blooms and prevents the plant from going to seed. Any excess or unruly stems can be cut back to the desired size. Deadheading will also help keep the plant neat and tidy. When pruning, take care not to remove more than a quarter of the total foliage or the plant may not recover.

Season

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

Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Gaillardia grandiflora 'Burgunder' 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.