Discovered in the Rocky Mountains around 1825, this genus of around 30 specie of annual, blennial, and perennial daisies (family Asteraceae) occurs mainly in the southern U.S.A. and Mexco. The common name of blanket flower comes from a Native American legend of a blanket maker who the spirits rewarded with an ever-blooming blanket of flowers on this grave. Appropriately, these small mounding plants are covered in summer and autumn with vivid flowersheads. They ray florets and typically red at the center with a yellow outer half. Cultivated garden forms occur in warm tones and have long flowering periods.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies, though they are so easily cultivated that replacing any winter caualties is no problem. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil that remains moist during the growing season. Propagate from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Perennial Gaillardia plants should be cut back in late summer. Once winter is over, these plants can then be carefully divided to increase their numbers.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies, though they are so easily cultivated that replacing any winter caualties is no problem. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil that remains moist during the growing season. Propagate from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Perennial Gaillardia plants should be cut back in late summer. Once winter is over, these plants can then be carefully divided to increase their numbers.
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