205 · Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

About this plant

Blanket flower carries red-and-yellow banded daisies on wiry stems 18 to 24 inches tall. It is one of the few plants here that genuinely acts perennial, thriving on heat, full sun, and lean, fast-draining soil with little water. Butterflies and bees work it constantly; shear it back midsummer to bring on a fresh flush.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Where

Xeriscape, Garden beds

Spacing

12"

Size

12–24"

Care

Sun

Full sun (6–8 h)

Water

Moderate; drought-tolerant once set

Feed

A light flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while blooming (general guide).

Deadhead

Cut off spent flowers to keep new blooms coming.

Good to know

Caution

Wear gloves: hairy leaves can irritate skin. Not edible.

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Life cycle

Perennial

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

High — bees, butterflies, hoverflies; abundant accessible nectar

Days to bloom

84-105 days from transplant

Heat (our summer)

High

Cold

Tender (frost-sensitive)

Color

Orange, yellow tipped

Edible

No. Not a food plant. Fuzzy hairs on leaves and stems can irritate skin; wear gloves (NC State Extension).