Species

Gaillardia aristataBlanket Flower

3 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia aristata 'Yellow Touch'

$31.79

The Story

Plant Bio

Gaillardia aristata is a taprooted, mound-forming herbaceous perennial native to the prairies and open montane regions of western North America. The species produces coarse, gray-green foliage covered in rough, bristly hairs and bears daisy-like composite flowers with prominent central disks.

'Yellow Touch' is a compact, mounded cultivar distinguished by its short, sturdy stature and highly saturated flower coloration. The daisy-like blooms feature rich burgundy-scarlet centers and red ray florets tipped with a narrow, scalloped band of bright yellow.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dense, compact mound of gray-green foliage topped with highly contrasting red and yellow daisy-like flowers from late spring to fall.

Highly drought and heat tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water landscapes and coastal gardens.

Provides abundant nectar for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, while the tubular florets attract hummingbirds.

SpeciesGaillardia aristataBlanket Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12"

Width

14"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early fall

In flower about 5 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$31.79

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sharply drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the plant so the crown is level with the surrounding soil.
Water moderately to settle the soil, ensuring no water pools around the base of the plant.
Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch around the base to keep the crown dry and prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils with sharp drainage; excess nutrients and winter wetness quickly rot the crown and shorten the plant's lifespan.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in lean, sandy, or gravelly soils to ensure excellent drainage.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
Cut the plant back hard in mid-summer if flower production slows down.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where winter wet will rot the roots.
Do not over-fertilize, as rich soils lead to floppy growth and a shorter lifespan.
Do not use overhead irrigation, which can promote powdery mildew and leaf spots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensButterfly GardensMass PlantingsContainers

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Coreopsis Achillea

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 4–9. 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 through early fall. 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.