Scientific Name
Gaillardia aestivalis (Walter) H.Rock
Synonym(s)
Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis, Gaillardia bicolor, Gaillardia chrysantha, Gaillardia fastigiata, Gaillardia lanceolata, Gaillardia lutea, Gaillardia rigida, Helenium aestivale
Common Name(s)
Lanceleaf Blanketflower
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gaillardia
Origin
Gaillardia aestivalis is native to the south-central and southern United States, from Texas east to Florida and north to the Carolinas, Arkansas, and Kansas.
Flower
Color: Yellow rays with a brownish-purple center cone
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Description
Gaillardia aestivalis is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Leaves are borne alternately along the stem. They vary in shape and can be up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. The ones toward the top may clasp the stem at their bases.
The flower heads are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and have yellow rays (sometimes with red bases) and brownish-purple disks. The flowers are distinctive because they often have only partial rays or, in some cases, are virtually rayless.
How to Grow and Care for Gaillardia aestivalis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 5a to 9b: from -20°F (-28.9°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).
Sow seeds in well-draining soil and cover lightly. Although drought-tolerant once established, Blanket Flowers still need moist soil until germination. Once established, occasional watering should become a part of Blanket Flowers' care. This helps extend the display of colorful blooms.
Care of Gaillardias includes planting in a full sun location to keep this fast-growing specimen happy. Native to the central United States and Mexico, Blanket Flower is a heat-loving flower that attracts butterflies. Growing Blanket Flowers are drought-tolerant and do not like wet feet from soggy soil.
Growing Blanket Flowers can naturalize in a meadow or field, adding hues of color. Blanket Flowers are easy to care for, making them an ideal specimen for many landscape uses.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Blanket Flowers.
Links
- Back to genus Gaillardia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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