
Blanket Flowers
Uses:
- Container Filler
- Borders
- Hellstrip
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Heat Tolerant
- Colorful Flowers
- Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 3-10
- What is My Zone?
Blanket Flower is a drought-tolerant perennial known for its colorful daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. This hardy native thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for borders, xeriscaping, and rock gardens. Its low, compact form makes a lovely ground cover.
About Blanket Flowers

Gaillardia ,Indian Blanket
North America
Perennials
Deciduous,Semi-Evergreen,Herbaceous
3 - 10
Red,Orange,Yellow,Burgundy / Maroon,Orange-Yellow Bi-color,Pink/Purple
Early to mid-summer
Compact, spreading,mounding,clumping
Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Hummingbirds, Small Birds, flies and beetles
Drought, Poor Rocky Soils, Heat, Full Sun, Cold, Wind, Light Frost
Deer, Rabbits,Disease,Pests,Heat Stress,Drought,Salinity,Cold
How To Use Blanket Flowers In The Garden
Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are known for their daisy-shaped blooms with bold red, orange, and yellow colors. These perennials are highly adaptable, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, and are notably drought-tolerant once established. Their extended blooming period from late spring through fall makes them a valuable addition to gardens, providing continuous color and attracting pollinators.
Position blanket flowers in sunny borders or rock gardens, where they can lend seasonal color despite their relatively short lifespan. Combine them with coneflowers, ornamental grasses, and other drought-tolerant perennials to balance textures and create a cohesive planting scheme. Use them in containers or mixed beds for a warm accent, especially near paths or seating areas. Pair red or orange varieties with blue or purple companions for a lively contrast that supports butterflies and bees.
Blanket Flowers Care
Plant Blanket Flowers in full sun, ensuring they receive at least six hours of direct light daily. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and can tolerate poor-quality conditions. Water newly planted specimens weekly, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, these plants exhibit drought tolerance but will produce more blooms if watered during dry spells. Avoid fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage with fewer flowers.
Deadheading spent blooms is not mandatory but helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages continuous flowering. In late summer, if plants become leggy, trim them back to promote a fresh flush of autumn blooms. For winter care, cut back foliage after the first frost and apply a layer of mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. When growing in containers, ensure pots have drainage holes and water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Established potted plants are drought tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
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