How to grow Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora): complete guide to cultivating these vibrant, drought-tolerant perennials

Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia x grandiflora, brings vibrant splashes of red, orange and yellow to any garden with its daisy-like blooms that resemble brightly coloured blankets.

Native to North American prairies, these cheerful perennials have adapted to thrive in rocky, sandy soils with excellent drainage and full sun exposure.

Blanket Flower is easy to grow because it tolerates drought, poor soil conditions, and requires minimal maintenance once established, making it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

These stunning plants reach about 60-90 cm in height, displaying their striking bicoloured flowers from early summer right through to autumn. The long-lasting blooms sit atop sturdy stems and feature bold centres surrounded by petals dipped in fiery hues. Their grey-green foliage adds textural interest even when the plant isn’t flowering, and they make excellent border plants, container specimens, or additions to wildflower meadows.

Blanket Flowers prefer positions with excellent drainage and full sun that mimic their native prairie conditions. Though they appreciate consistent moisture when first planted, they become remarkably drought-tolerant once established. These hardy perennials attract butterflies and pollinators whilst being relatively pest-free and deer-resistant, making them valuable additions to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Key Takeaways

• Blanket Flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal water once established.
• These easy-care perennials produce vibrant red, orange and yellow blooms from early summer through autumn.
• Plant Blanket Flowers 15-30 cm apart in borders, containers or wildflower gardens to attract pollinators and add long-lasting colour.

Featured Image: Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) by euthman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Characteristics Of Blanket Flower

Blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) stands out in the garden with its vibrant, daisy-like blooms and remarkable resilience. This cheerful perennial combines beauty with toughness, offering gardeners reliable colour even in challenging conditions.

Scientific Name And Any Synonyms

The primary scientific name for blanket flower is Gaillardia x grandiflora, which denotes its hybrid status. This particular blanket flower is a cross between two North American native species: Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pulchella.

In botanical literature, you might occasionally see it referred to as Gaillardia grandiflora (without the ‘x’) or Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Goblin’ when referencing specific cultivars. The ‘x’ in the name specifically indicates its hybrid nature, created to combine the best traits of both parent species.

The genus Gaillardia itself belongs to the larger Asteraceae family, which includes many well-known flowering plants such as sunflowers, daisies and coneflowers.

Meaning Of Scientific Plant Name

The genus name ‘Gaillardia’ honours Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French magistrate and patron of botany. As a supporter of botanical exploration, Charentonneau’s contributions to plant science were commemorated when this colourful genus was named after him.

The species epithet ‘grandiflora’ combines two Latin elements: ‘grandi’ meaning large or great, and ‘flora’ meaning flower. This aptly describes the plant’s sizeable blooms, which are notably larger than those of some other Gaillardia species.

The ‘x’ in the scientific name indicates that this is a hybrid plant, specifically created by crossing two different Gaillardia species to produce a plant with enhanced characteristics. This naming convention is common in horticultural hybrids.

Common Names

Blanket flower is the most widely used common name for Gaillardia x grandiflora, referencing the way its abundant blooms can blanket an area with colour, similar to the bright patterns of Native American blankets. The name also reflects how these plants can create a blanket-like spread in the garden when allowed to naturalise.

Other common names include:

• Indian blanket
• Fire wheels
• Bandana daisy
• Sundance
• Brown-eyed Susan (though this more commonly refers to Rudbeckia)

In some regions, people simply call them ‘gaillardias’ using the scientific genus name as a common name, particularly amongst more experienced gardeners and in horticultural circles.

Plant Family

Blanket flower belongs to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest plant families in the world with over 32,000 species. This family was formerly known as Compositae, a name still occasionally used in reference to the composite nature of the flowers.

The Asteraceae family is characterised by:

• Flowers arranged in a dense head (capitulum)
• Individual florets that combine to give the appearance of a single flower
• Often having ray florets (resembling petals) around the outside and disc florets in the centre
• Seeds that frequently have a pappus (a modified calyx) that aids in wind dispersal

Notable relatives of blanket flower include sunflowers, daisies, zinnias, asters, marigolds and chrysanthemums. Plants in this family typically attract numerous pollinators and are valuable additions to wildlife gardens.

Place Of Origin

Blanket flower hybrids originate from two North American native species. Gaillardia x grandiflora combines Gaillardia aristata, native to the northern and western United States, with Gaillardia pulchella, which grows naturally in the southern and central United States.

The parent species naturally inhabit:

• Dry prairies
• Open woodland edges
• Rocky slopes
• Coastal areas (G. pulchella)
• Plains and foothills (G. aristata)

This native heritage explains the plant’s exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. The hybrid was developed to create a more garden-worthy plant with larger flowers, stronger perennial habits, and greater cold hardiness than either parent alone.

The natural adaptation to North America’s varied and often harsh growing conditions gives these plants their remarkable resilience in gardens worldwide.

Type Of Plant

Gaillardia x grandiflora is primarily a herbaceous perennial, meaning it has soft, non-woody stems that die back to the ground in colder climates but return from the roots each spring. In milder regions, the plant may retain some foliage year-round, functioning as a semi-evergreen perennial.

Key characteristics of this plant type include:

• Short-lived perennial habit (typically 2-3 years in optimal conditions)
• Sometimes behaves as a biennial in colder climates
• Self-seeds readily, creating the appearance of perennial longevity
• Clump-forming growth habit, gradually spreading wider each year

Though technically perennial, many gardeners treat blanket flowers as short-lived perennials that need occasional replacement or rely on their self-seeding nature to maintain their presence in the garden. Their relatively short lifespan is offset by their easy propagation from both seeds and divisions.

Size Of Plant

Blanket flower forms a moderate-sized, mounded clump that fits well in mixed borders and container gardens. Most Gaillardia x grandiflora varieties reach 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) in height with a similar spread, creating a nicely proportioned rounded shape.

The size varies somewhat by cultivar:

Cultivar	Height	Spread	Notes
‘Arizona Sun’	20-30 cm	30-40 cm	Compact variety ideal for containers
‘Goblin’	30 cm	30-35 cm	Dwarf variety with large flowers
‘Celebration’	40 cm	40 cm	Medium-sized with upright habit
‘Burgundy’	60-75 cm	45-60 cm	Taller variety with rich colouring

The flowering stems typically stand slightly above the foliage mound, holding the blooms aloft for maximum visual impact. In ideal conditions with rich soil, plants may grow somewhat larger than their typical dimensions, while in poor soil or drought conditions, they may remain more compact.

How To Grow Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are cheerful, drought-tolerant perennials that bring vibrant colour to gardens with minimal fuss. They thrive in conditions that would challenge many other flowering plants, making them perfect for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options with high-impact blooms.

Light Requirements

Blanket flowers are true sun-lovers, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform their best. Without adequate light, they’ll produce fewer of their trademark daisy-like blooms and may become leggy.

In partial shade, you’ll notice significantly reduced flowering and weaker stems. If your garden has limited full-sun locations, prioritise these spots for your blanket flowers to ensure the most impressive display.

For container-grown plants, choose a position that receives morning to midday sun. Southern or western exposures typically work brilliantly for these heat-tolerant beauties.

Temperature Requirements

Blanket flowers are remarkably adaptable to temperature variations, thriving in USDA zones 3-10 depending on the variety. They positively revel in hot summer conditions that would cause many other perennials to wilt.

The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 18-29°C, though they can tolerate much higher temperatures when properly established. In fact, blanket flowers often look their best during the hottest parts of summer when other plants begin to struggle.

Cold hardiness varies by species, but most perennial varieties can withstand winter temperatures down to -23°C when properly established. Young plants benefit from a bit of protection during their first winter.

Soil And Feeding Requirements

Blanket flowers prefer sandy, well-drained soil with moderate to low fertility. They actually perform better in poor soil conditions than in rich garden loam, which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Ideal soil characteristics:

• Sandy or gravelly texture
• Excellent drainage
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
• Low to moderate organic matter

Avoid clay soils at all costs, as these can lead to root rot. If your garden has heavy soil, create raised beds or mounds for planting, mixing in plenty of grit and sand to improve drainage.

Feeding requirements are minimal. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring is sufficient. Over-fertilising will produce lush foliage but fewer flowers.

Water And Humidity Requirements

One of blanket flower’s most impressive qualities is its exceptional drought tolerance. Once established, these plants require very little supplemental watering except during prolonged dry periods.

For newly planted specimens:

• Water deeply once or twice weekly for the first month
• Gradually reduce frequency as plants establish
• Always allow soil to dry between waterings

Established plants typically need watering only when you notice slight wilting. In most UK climates, natural rainfall is often sufficient except during summer dry spells.

Blanket flowers are susceptible to fungal issues in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Plant them 6-12 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow around the foliage and prevent disease problems.

Pruning

Regular deadheading is essential for continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Remove spent flowers by cutting stems back to the first set of leaves or to a point where a new bud is forming.

In mid-summer, if plants become leggy or sprawling, don’t hesitate to cut them back by one-third. This rejuvenation pruning stimulates fresh growth and a second flush of blooms that can last well into autumn.

At the end of the flowering season, you have two options:

1. Cut back all stems to about 2 inches above soil level
2. Leave the spent seedheads for winter interest and bird food

I recommend the first approach for tidier gardens, while the second works beautifully in naturalistic planting schemes.

Propagation

Blanket flowers can be propagated through several methods, with division and seed sowing being the most reliable.

From seed:

• Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Press seeds lightly onto soil surface as they need light to germinate
• Maintain moist conditions until germination occurs (typically 14-21 days)
• Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed

By division:

• Divide established plants every 2-3 years in early spring
• Carefully lift the entire plant and separate into sections
• Ensure each division has adequate roots and growth points
• Replant immediately and water thoroughly

Blanket flowers are relatively short-lived perennials, so regular propagation helps maintain a continuous presence in your garden. Division also rejuvenates older plants, improving their vigour and flowering potential.

Winter Care Of Blanket Flower

Despite their tough nature, a bit of winter protection helps blanket flowers perform their best year after year. In most UK locations, these steps will ensure good winter survival:

Leave the root crown exposed rather than mulching heavily around it. Excess moisture near the crown during winter can cause rot, particularly in regions with wet winters.

For young plants facing their first winter, provide a light mulch of gravel rather than organic material. This offers protection while maintaining excellent drainage around the crown.

In especially cold regions or during harsh winters, consider covering plants with horticultural fleece during prolonged freezing periods. Remove the covering promptly when temperatures moderate to prevent fungal issues.

Spring is the time to remove any dead foliage and divide overcrowded clumps if needed. Watch for new growth emerging from the centre of the plant as your signal to begin the season’s care routine.

Common Problems And Solutions

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can face certain challenges. Being aware of these potential issues will help you keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Disease Issues

• Powdery mildew – appears as white powdery spots on leaves
• Aster yellows – causes stunted growth and yellowing
• Fungal leaf spot – creates dark spots on foliage

For powdery mildew, improve air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide if the problem persists. Aster yellows, transmitted by leafhoppers, requires removing infected plants completely to prevent spread.

Overwatering Problems

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is providing too much water. Blanket Flowers thrive in dry, sunny locations and struggle in soggy conditions. If leaves turn yellow or the plant looks wilted despite moist soil, reduce watering immediately.

Decline After 2-3 Years

Blanket Flowers may begin to die out after a few seasons. Division every 2-3 years helps rejuvenate plants and maintains vigour. The best time to divide is early spring before new growth appears.

Fertiliser Caution

Too much fertiliser can actually reduce flowering. These plants prefer poor soil and produce more blooms when not overfed. If your plants produce lush foliage but few flowers, stop fertilising.

Pest Considerations

The good news is that Blanket Flower is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations. Most insects leave these plants alone, and they actively attract beneficial pollinators and butterflies to your garden.

Best Cultivars Or Varieties To Grow

Blanket Flower offers numerous spectacular cultivars that can transform your garden with their vibrant colours. Choosing the right variety for your space ensures you’ll enjoy these cheerful blooms all season long.

‘Burgundy’ is a taller variety featuring rich wine-red petals that create dramatic impact in borders. Standing at about 60-75cm tall, it’s perfect for the middle or back of flower beds where its height can be showcased beautifully.

‘Baby Cole’ offers a more compact option at just 30cm tall, making it brilliant for smaller gardens or container planting. Its petite size doesn’t compromise on flower power – expect masses of red and yellow blooms throughout summer.

‘Dazzler’ lives up to its name with striking red petals tipped with yellow. This taller variety reaches about 60cm and creates a stunning visual display when planted in groups.

For gardeners in challenging climates, ‘Arizona Sun’ demonstrates exceptional hardiness across zones 3-9. Its compact form (30-40cm) produces abundant fiery orange-red flowers with bright yellow tips.

‘Mesa Yellow’ offers a more uniform colour palette with its pure golden blooms. This variety performs brilliantly in mass plantings, creating waves of sunshine-like colour across borders.

Planting recommendations by variety:

Cultivar	Height	Spread	Best Use	Hardiness Zones
Burgundy	60-75cm	45cm	Borders, cutting	3-9
Baby Cole	30cm	30cm	Containers, edging	3-8
Dazzler	60cm	45cm	Mass plantings	3-9
Arizona Sun	30-40cm	30-40cm	Rock gardens, containers	3-9
Mesa Yellow	40-45cm	40-45cm	Mass plantings, borders	3-9