Description
The blanket flower is a perennial of the daisy family (Compositae). The species name covers hybrids derived from Gaillardia aristata, which grows wild in North America. The plants reach 50–70 cm. The leaves and stems are softly hairy.
Gaillardia flowers from the end of June to September. The large flower heads sit at the tips of stiff stems. The ray florets are intensely coloured – yellow, red or purple, one- or multicoloured – while the disc florets in the centre of the flower head are brownish-purple and sometimes enlarged. It is also suitable as a cut flower.
Requirements
Gaillardia grows best in humus-rich, fertile and free-draining soils. Choose a sunny position for it. It is planted in groups in borders.
Propagation
It is propagated by seed sown in spring from mid-March or by division, also in spring. It is best to divide the plant every 2–3 years, or every 4–5 years if it grows in sandy, dry soil where it has formed a long taproot. Plant at a spacing of 30 x 40 cm.