Species
Gaillardia x grandifloraBlanket Flower12 other cultivars
‘Mixed Border’Mixed Border Blanket Flower
‘Globe Red’Gaillardia Globe Red
‘The Sun’Blanket Flower The Sun
‘Fanfare Citronella’Blanket Flower Fanfare Citronella
‘Mesa Peach’Mesa Peach Blanket Flower
‘Mesa Yellow’Mesa Yellow Blanket Flower
‘Moxie’Blanket Flower Moxie
‘Goblin’Blanket Flower Goblin
‘Grape Sensation’Blanket Flower Grape Sensation
‘Frenzy’Frenzy Blanket Flower
‘Oranges and Lemons’Blanket Flower Oranges and Lemons
‘Spintop Red Starburst’Spintop Red Starburst Gaillardia
The Story
Plant Bio
Gaillardia x grandiflora, known as blanket flower, is a perennial with a bushy habit, featuring daisy-like flowers with vibrant bicolored petals of red and yellow, and finely divided, hairy foliage.
This cultivar, Mesa Bright Bicolor, is distinguished by its striking contrasting bicolored flowers that bloom profusely, providing a long-lasting splash of color in sunny borders.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
16 inches
Width
20 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 2 weeks.
- Place in full sun for best flowering results.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for rejuvenation.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Divide every 3-4 years
Don't
- Overwater or sit in soggy soil ❌
- Neglect deadheading
- Use heavy mulch that retains too much moisture
- Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer late in season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
Blanket Flower Gaillardia questions
What zones can Blanket Flower Gaillardia grow in?
Blanket Flower Gaillardia 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 Gaillardia deer resistant?
Yes — Blanket Flower Gaillardia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blanket Flower Gaillardia bloom?
Blanket Flower Gaillardia typically blooms in summer, 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 Gaillardia need full sun?
Blanket Flower Gaillardia does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Blanket Flower Gaillardia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blanket Flower Gaillardia 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 Blanket Flower Gaillardia 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.