The Well-Tended Perennial Garden The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition

Gaillardia ×grandiflora

blanket flower

compoSitae

Daisylike flower heads in combinations of

reds, yellows, and oranges; gray-green

hairy leaves

2–3 ft. (1 ft.) high; 2 ft. wide

Full sun

Blooms June–October

Zones 3–10

pruning Gaillardia seems to flower

continuously even without deadhead-

ing. This is a nice advantage, because if

you don’t deadhead you can enjoy the

new flowers and the attractive

spherical seedheads together, either in

the garden or in arrangements.

Self-seeding may occur, so deadhead if

seeding is not desired. Some authori-

ties feel that the tendency toward

continuous bloom, although pleasing

to the gardener, can work against the

plant’s chances of overwintering by

directing its energy to flower

production, rendering the plant

unable to form buds for the following

year’s shoots. Cutting all flowering

stems down to the basal foliage in late

August or early September can

stimulate vegetative growth before the

coming of frost. The plant may then

form new basal buds and more

vigorous shoots, which can improve

the plant’s chances of survival.

other maintenance Often

short-lived, usually due to wet

overwintering conditions rather than

cold temperatures. Well-draining soil,

particularly over the winter, is vital to

survival. Drought, heat, and salt

tolerant. Avoid overly rich soil.

Tall-growing forms require staking.

Divide in the early spring every 2–3

years to maintain vigor.

related plantS Gaillardia

×grandiflora ‘Baby Cole’ and ‘Goblin’

are dwarf forms not requiring staking.

Gaillardia ×grandiflora ‘Goblin’