Gaillardia grandiflora 'Sun Devil' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
blanket flower
Gaillardia grandiflora 'Sun Devil'
The blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Sun Devil') is an amazing plant species due to its beautiful appearance and exceptional hardiness. Its flowers are a bold contrast of orange and yellow which resemble a blanket of bright colors and make for an eye-catching sight in any garden. It is not fussy, and once established it can tolerate poor soils, hot summers, low humidity and drought - making it an ideal choice for gardeners in a variety of climates. The blooms will attract butterflies and bees for a healthy outdoor ecosystem, and will bring cheer to any area year round with its long bloom cycle. Put simply, the Sun Devil blanket flower is a show-stopping, reliable, and easy to care for species.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Red and yellow bicolor Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) adequately during warm seasons, as it needs regular moisture to grow. It usually requires 1” – 1.5” of water a week. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, allowing the water to soak down to the root level and stop when the top half inch of soil is moist. Reduce the watering frequency to once every 10 to 14 days during winter. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
sunlight
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Sun Devil') is a sun-loving species that does best in areas with full sun exposure at least 8 hours per day. In areas with hot summers, this plant may need some midday light shade to protect from the intense heat of the sun. During the winter months, the amount of sun requirement for this species is minimal, so a bit of light shade is also beneficial in those months. Early morning sun is ideal for this species as it helps get the plant off to a great start for a productive day. Additionally, placing these plants in southern and western beds can encourage more growth of these plants during the summer season.
pruning
Blanket flowers should be pruned regularly to keep them looking their best. The best time to prune is after the flowers have faded in late spring or early summer. The goal is to cut back the plant by 1-third so as to encourage plenty of new growth from the base. Don't prune the plant by more than 1-third or it won't be able to regrow. Trim off any dead or discolored foliage and flowers and cut back leggy stems. Be sure to remove any flowering stems to the ground right after they fade. Regularly removing spent blooms also prevents reseeding and helps keep the plant tidy.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Gaillardia grandiflora 'Sun Devil' 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.
