Common Gaillardia
Native blanket flower is an ornamental wildflower that naturally grows in prairies and opening in ponderosa pine forests. It has light green, fuzzy leaves.
The flowers are daisy-like and produced on sturdy stalks above the foliage. They have reddish brown centers and yellow or yellow/red bicolor petals. The seedheads turn red, white, and finally brown.
This is a nice native wildflower for a naturalistic landscape or to mix with native grasses.
Common Gaillardia
Native blanket flower is an ornamental wildflower that naturally grows in prairies and opening in ponderosa pine forests. It has light green, fuzzy leaves.
The flowers are daisy-like and produced on sturdy stalks above the foliage. They have reddish brown centers and yellow or yellow/red bicolor petals. The seedheads turn red, white, and finally brown.
This is a nice native wildflower for a naturalistic landscape or to mix with native grasses.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Gaillardia aristata
Pronunciation
gah-LAR-dee-uh a-ris-TAH-tuh
Mature Height
18 to 24 in.
Mature Spread
18 to 24 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow with red centers
Bloom time
mid-summer
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
western United States and Canada
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 3-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,500 ft.
Performance
At the Water Wise Demonstration Garden, common gaillardia's flowers are very attractive when in bloom in July. The seedheads are showy for a brief period.
Since the individual plants are short-lived and the leaves are small, native blanket flower is best suited to naturalistic gardens or prairies rather than traditional landscapes. Some of the improved cultivars are more appropriate for traditional gardens.
Maintenance
Remove old stems and leaves in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Deadhead as desired to encourage rebloom, which is usually done after the seedhead loses its attractiveness as the seeds disperse.