The Story
Plant Bio
Gaillardia aristata 'Bijou' is a compact perennial with finely divided, silvery-green foliage and striking daisy-like flowers featuring vivid red and yellow petals that radiate from a central disc.
This cultivar is celebrated for its early flowering, compact growth habit, and its ability to attract pollinators while tolerating poor soils and drought conditions.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late fall
In flower about 5 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, then reduce watering.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
- Apply a light mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead to prolong flowering
- Divide every few years for vigorous growth
- Apply compost annually
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Use heavy, clay soils without amendment
- Neglect deadheading
- Skip mulching in hot climates
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bijou Blanket Flower questions
What zones can Bijou Blanket Flower grow in?
Bijou 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 Bijou Blanket Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Bijou Blanket Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bijou Blanket Flower bloom?
Bijou Blanket Flower typically blooms in mid-summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bijou Blanket Flower need full sun?
Bijou Blanket Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Bijou Blanket Flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bijou Blanket Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Gaillardia to compare
Mixed Border Blanket Flower
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Mixed Border'
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia x grandiflora
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower
Gaillardia x hybrida 'Arizona Sun'
Gaillardia Globe Red
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Globe Red'
Blanket Flower The Sun
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'The Sun'
Blanket Flower Fanfare Citronella
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Fanfare Citronella'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Bijou 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.