Plant of the month July - Gaillardia

Gaillardia: A Hardy Splash of Colour

Gaillardia, commonly known as blanket flower, is a striking perennial that has become increasingly popular in UK gardens for its vibrant colours, long flowering season, and exceptional resilience. Gaillardia offers a low-maintenance and eye-catching addition to borders, wildlife gardens, and even containers.

Gaillardia is best known for its daisy-like flowers, which typically feature a vivid mix of red, orange, and yellow tones, resembling a glowing sunset. The centre of the flower is often a deep red or burgundy, surrounded by flamed petals. There are both annual and perennial species, but Gaillardia × grandiflora, a perennial hybrid, is the most widely grown in UK gardens.

Popular cultivars include:

• ‘Arizona Sun’ – compact with fiery red and yellow petals

• ‘Burgundy’ – deep red blooms that attract pollinators

• ‘Goblin’ – a dwarf variety ideal for the front of borders

Gaillardias typically grow to a height of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) and spread up to 50 cm, forming neat, bushy clumps.

Growing Conditions

One of Gaillardia’s main appeals is its hardiness and ease of care. While not fully evergreen in the UK, it can survive winters in many areas, particularly if planted in well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun and poor to moderately fertile soil, and it dislikes heavy clay or overly moist conditions, especially in winter. Adding grit or planting in raised beds can help improve drainage.

Though drought-tolerant once established, some watering is needed in prolonged dry spells. However, overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot.

Flowering and Maintenance

Gaillardia offers a lengthy flowering period, often blooming from early summer right through to the first frosts in autumn. Regular deadheading will encourage the plant to produce even more blooms. It’s advisable to cut back the plant in late autumn once flowering has finished. In colder parts of the UK, a light mulch can help protect roots over winter.

Though generally a short-lived perennial (often lasting 2–3 years), Gaillardia can be easily propagated by seed or division to maintain a long-lasting presence in the garden.

Wildlife Benefits

Gaillardia is excellent for wildlife gardening. The bright, nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Even as the flowers fade, the seed heads can be left over winter to provide food for birds and visual interest.