perennialN. America Native

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia x grandiflora

The Story

Plant Bio

A short-lived, mound-forming hybrid perennial celebrated for its profuse, long-lasting, daisy-like flowers in warm shades.

Produces continuous blooms from late spring to frost if deadheaded regularly.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesGaillardia grandiflora provides vibrant, long-lasting flowers that brighten garden beds and attract pollinators.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-conserving landscapes.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil to plant seeds or seedlings.
  2. Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep and space 12 inches apart for optimal growth.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.
  4. Mist cuttings with water and place in bright, indirect sunlight for propagation.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for healthy blooms.
  6. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure full sun exposure for vibrant flowers and strong plant health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t disturb roots during peak flowering
  • Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers which may promote foliage over flowers

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid perennial borderDrought-tolerant garden accentSunny flower bed

Companion Plants

Lavender CoreopsisSalviaYarrow Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blanket Flower questions

What zones can Blanket Flower grow in?

Blanket Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Blanket Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Blanket Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Blanket Flower bloom?

Blanket Flower typically blooms in late spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blanket Flower need full sun?

Blanket Flower does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Blanket Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blanket Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Blanket Flower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.