Blanket Flower

gaillardia aristata

Also known as: ["Blanket Flower","Common Blanketflower","Apache Daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Gaillardia Category: Flowers

Overview

A hardy perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers with yellow and red tones.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gaillardia
Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in open, sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during the growing season; prune back in late fall or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent flowers.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily).

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or soil issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Plant in the sunniest spot; rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods

Water at the base of the plant, avoid overhead watering, and ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit; ensure soil dries between waterings.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates heat but may struggle in prolonged frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring before flowering; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or early fall.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and partial shade.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip spent blooms just above a leaf node or healthy bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain plant shape.

Tools

Hand pruners, clean scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut above healthy growth; dispose of debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Choose a new pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it reaches the root zone, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or dieback in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, and leaf discoloration.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter, protect from frost with row covers, and avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade, water deeply, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Gaillardia prefers lean soil.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Gaillardia aristata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root issues, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Gaillardia aristata is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Gaillardia aristata are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and, if severe, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Gaillardia aristata due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Gaillardia aristata is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known adverse physiological effects when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Gaillardia aristata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Gaillardia aristata, commonly known as blanket flower, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Gaillardia aristata?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does Gaillardia attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: Can Gaillardia aristata be grown in containers?

A: Yes, but ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Scotch Thistle
View
Stellate Sow-thistle
View
Marrubium crithmoides
View
Coastal Gumweed
View