Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
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$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
Meriwether Lewis collected the first specimen of this wildflower on July 7, 1806. His research of this and other native species was completed by botanist Frederick Traugott Pursch in 1813, who completed a catalogue of the species discovered on the famous expedition. The genus name "Gaillardia" honors an 18th century French botanist named Gaillard de Charentonneau. The common name Blanket Flower seems to come from the similarity of the brightly colored blossoms to Native American weaving.
Scientific Name: Gaillardia aristata
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): May to September
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low. Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate some drought, though they flourish with occasional watering.
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium. Lightly moist
Suitability: Drought tolerant
Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, and is Deer Resistant.
Containers?" Yes. Perfectly suited for containers.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 24”
Spacing: 14-16”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
USDA Zone: 3-8
Produces: clasping, dandelion-like leaves and 3" orange-red daisy-like flowers with yellow tipped rays.
Garden Uses: Perennial border fronts, rock gardens, cottage gardens and cutting gardens. Also effective in containers.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): May to September
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low. Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate some drought, though they flourish with occasional watering.
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium. Lightly moist
Suitability: Drought tolerant
Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, and is Deer Resistant.
Containers?" Yes. Perfectly suited for containers.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 24”
Spacing: 14-16”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
USDA Zone: 3-8
Produces: clasping, dandelion-like leaves and 3" orange-red daisy-like flowers with yellow tipped rays.
Garden Uses: Perennial border fronts, rock gardens, cottage gardens and cutting gardens. Also effective in containers.
Direct sow in late spring, planting 1/4" below the surface of the soil and compacting it slightly. Keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination, which widely varies from 20-70 days. Since these plants do not transplant well, they should be planted in peat pots if started indoors.
Water the seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though watering in especially dry periods will improve the blooming. Excess moisture may result in root rot and other disease. Deadheading or cutting back the plant will also increase the blooms. This is a rather short-lived perennial that does not readily self-sow. This plant attracts butterflies and resists deer.
For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
After the petals of the flowers drop off, the center will begin to turn from green to brown. Cut the seed heads off when they have ripened but before they begin to shatter. Spread them out to dry in a protected location for 2-3 weeks. Crush the seed heads to separate the seed from the stems. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Gaillardias mix well with any sun-loving plants. For a warm color border try mixing with Coreopsis, or Sunflowers. If you want a more varied color scheme try pairing with Echinacea, or blue toned flowers like hardy Plumbago. Contrast with fine flowers or foliage such as those produced by Gypsophila, Yarrow or ornamental grasses.
Problems
Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly during periods of protracted heavy summer rains. Species plants are generally susceptible to powdery mildew, aster yellows and fungal leaf spot diseases.
Suggested Varieties
Baby's Breath: Annual (Gypsophila elegans)
$1.00 - $5.60
This dainty flower has become well-known for its role in the florists’ industry as a filler in bouquets. Originally it grew as a wildflower across much of Europe and Asia, and was introduced to the States in the late 19th century as a popular addition to flower gardens. The genus name Gypsophila means “lover of chalk,” referring to the type of light, alkaline soil that this plant prefers.
Baby's Breath: Deep Carmine (Gypsophila elegans)
$1.00 - $5.60
This dainty flower has become well-known for its role in the florists’ industry as a filler in bouquets. Originally it grew as a wildflower across much of Europe and Asia, and was introduced to the States in the late 19th century as a popular addition to flower gardens. The genus name Gypsophila means “lover of chalk,” referring to the type of light, alkaline soil that this plant prefers.
Coneflower: Purple (Echinacea purpurea)
$1.00 - $5.60
All the members of the Echinacea genus are native to North America, though they are becoming more rare in the wild. The genus name Echinacea comes from the Greek word for “hedgehog,” referring to the spiny seed head of the flower. Historically, this family of plants has been extensively used by Native American tribes and early settlers because of its beneficial medicinal properties. Echinacea acts as a natural antibiotic, and improves the function of the immune system; it became very popular in the medical field in the early twentieth century, particularly after the extensive researches of the German Dr. Gerhard Madaus. Echinacea is still widely used as an herbal remedy, as well as being a common and well-loved addition to perennial gardens and prairie plantings.
Sunflower: Autumn Beauty (Helianthus annuus)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sunflowers were named for their habit of turning their faces to the sun. At the beginning of their development they exhibit heliotropism, or following the sun in its course from east to west, though the mature blossoms usually end up facing straight east. These versatile plants have an ancient history, beginning with Native American tribes across North America as early as 2000 BC. The seeds were used for their oil, ground up for meal, or simply eaten as a snack; the plant also provided dye and medicinal ointment. In 18th century Europe, sunflowers were widely used both in gardens and for making cooking oil; the production of this heart-healthy oil eventually became a major industry both in Europe and America. These are said to be the happiest of flowers, and in the language of flowers they symbolize loyalty and constancy.
Sunflower: Mammoth (Helianthus annuus)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sunflowers were named for their habit of turning their faces to the sun. At the beginning of their development they exhibit heliotropism, or following the sun in its course from east to west, though the mature blossoms usually end up facing straight east. These versatile plants have an ancient history, beginning with Native American tribes across North America as early as 2000 BC. The seeds were used for their oil, ground up for meal, or simply eaten as a snack; the plant also provided dye and medicinal ointment. In 18th century Europe, sunflowers were widely used both in gardens and for making cooking oil; the production of this heart-healthy oil eventually became a major industry both in Europe and America. These are said to be the happiest of flowers, and in the language of flowers they symbolize loyalty and constancy.
Sunflower: Mexican (Tithonia rotundifolia)
$1.00 - $5.60
The Mexican sunflower is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is also known as the tithonia. Mexican sunflowers grow to a height of 5 to 6 feet. Most specimens are between 3 and 4 feet wide. Dwarf versions are also available that reach a height of only 3 feet. The Mexican Sunflowers pedals are usually red and orange. The flowers resemble daisies and are approximately 3 inches across.
Sunflower: Velvet Queen (Helianthus annuus)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sunflowers were named for their habit of turning their faces to the sun. At the beginning of their development they exhibit heliotropism, or following the sun in its course from east to west, though the mature blossoms usually end up facing straight east. These versatile plants have an ancient history, beginning with Native American tribes across North America as early as 2000 BC. The seeds were used for their oil, ground up for meal, or simply eaten as a snack; the plant also provided dye and medicinal ointment. In 18th century Europe, sunflowers were widely used both in gardens and for making cooking oil; the production of this heart-healthy oil eventually became a major industry both in Europe and America. These are said to be the happiest of flowers, and in the language of flowers they symbolize loyalty and constancy.
Yarrow: Red (Achillea millefolium rubra)
$1.00 - $5.60
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Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods; the general’s soldiers used yarrow to stanch the flow of their blood in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. When taken internally as a tea, yarrow purifies the system and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect. Medicinal use of yarrow is not recommended for expectant mothers.
Yarrow: White (Achillea millefolium)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods; the general’s soldiers used yarrow to stanch the flow of their blood in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. When taken internally as a tea, yarrow purifies the system and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect. Medicinal use of yarrow is not recommended for expectant mothers.