Blanket Flower

The annual blanket flower is a native of the Plains states to the East Coast. The name "blanket flower" comes from its resemblance to Indian blankets, blooming in yellow, orange, red, and their combinations.

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blanket flower
Blanket flower is a vibrant bloom, blossoming in yellows and
oranges. See more pictures of annual flowers.

Description of blanket flower: The annual gaillardia grows erect, 1 to 2 feet tall, with narrow leaves 2 inches long and flowers on long stems. In addition to single-flowered varieties, there are doubles with numerous quilled petals. In these, the original orange, red, and yellow colors have been extended to bronze and cream colors.

Growing blanket flower: The annual gaillardia will grow well in full sun in any well-drained soil. It does not like clay, excess water, or fertilizer. A fungicide may be needed in areas with high humidity. It continues to perform admirably under dry conditions. Space it from 9 to 15 inches apart.

Propagating blanket flower: By seed. Barely cover, since gaillardia needs light to germinate. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. For earlier bloom, sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks prior to planting out. Seeds germinate in 4 to 10 days at 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Uses for blanket flower: Plant gaillardias in groups. Grow them in meadows, in the cottage garden, at the edge of lawns, or near woodlands. The flowers are good for cutting.

Blanket flower related species: Hybrids under the name G. grandiflora behave as perennials. Two dwarf forms are Goblin, with flowers of deep red edged in yellow, and Yellow Goblin, a pure yellow. Portola Giants, growing 21/2 feet tall, have bronze-colored flowers with yellow tips. The long flower stems are good for cutting. Arizona Sun, an All-America Selections winner, is a floriferous, compact selection. Fanfare has curious, tubular petals. Painter's Palette strain contains deep red, orange-tipped, and yellow flowers.

Blanket flower related varieties: Gaiety is a mixture of heavily quilled, double flowers in bright yellow, orange, rose, maroon, and bicolors, many tipped with yellow. Double Mixed flowers are 3 inches in diameter in cream, gold, crimson, and bicolors. Sundance Bicolor, an All-America Selections winner, has double orange flowers.

Scientific name of blanket flower: Gaillardia pulchella

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