Scientific Name
Gaillardia aestivalis (Walter) H.Rock
Common Name(s)
Lanceleaf Blanketflower
Synonym(s)
Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis, Gaillardia bicolor, Gaillardia chrysantha, Gaillardia fastigiata, Gaillardia lanceolata, Gaillardia lutea, Gaillardia rigida, Helenium aestivale
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gaillardia
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 are variable in shape and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. The ones toward the top may clasp the stem at their bases. Flower heads are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and have yellow rays (sometimes with red bases) and brownish-purple disks. Flowers are distinctive because they often have only partial rays or, in some cases, are virtually rayless.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Sow seeds into a well-draining soil and cover slightly. Although drought tolerant once established, the care of Blanket Flowers includes keeping the seeds moist until germination occurs. Once established, occasional watering should become a part of Blanket Flowers' care. This assists in a longer display of the colorful blooms.
Care of Gaillardias includes planting in a full sun location to keep this fast-growing specimen happy. As a native plant 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. Easy care of Blanket Flowers makes them an ideal specimen for many landscape uses.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Blanket Flowers.
Origin
This species is native to the south-central and the southern United States from Texas east to Florida and north to the Carolinas, Arkansas, and Kansas.
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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