Blanket flower
Gaillardia pulchella · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant blanket flower: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to October
- Adult size
- 12 to 24 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- -15 °C
- Origin
- North America (southeastern United States)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to average
Care
Exposure
Blanket flower requires full sun to thrive and bloom abundantly. Partial shade will limit flowering and encourage leggy growth. Plant it in an open location where it gets 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight.
Watering
Water regularly when planting and during the first season to establish a strong root system. Once established, this plant tolerates drought well and needs only occasional watering during dry spells. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter, which can cause root rot.
Soil and Drainage
Blanket flower prefers well-drained soil that's poor to average in fertility. Soil that's too rich in organic matter encourages lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Amend with sand or gravel to improve drainage if your soil is clay-based.
Pruning and Deadheading
Pinch back stems in spring to encourage a more compact habit and better branching. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and stimulate new flower production. In late autumn, cut stems down to ground level after the first frost.
Fertilizer
Blanket flower is low-maintenance and doesn't require regular feeding. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is plenty. Overly enriched soil can reduce the impact of blooms by promoting excessive leaf growth.
Diseases and Pests
This plant is generally robust and rarely troubled by disease. In overly humid conditions, it may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure good spacing between plants and adequate air circulation to prevent these issues.
Did you know?
Blanket flower is named after the 18th-century French botanist Gaillard de Marentonneau, and its epithet 'pulchella' means 'pretty' in Latin, referring to its stunning scarlet-red and gold-yellow flowers that have been beloved by gardeners since colonial times. Once popular in dried arrangements, it remains a star performer in North American cottage gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.