Scientific Name
Gaillardia amblyodon J.Gay
Common Names
Maroon Blanketflower, Blunt-toothed Blanketflower, Red Indian Blanket
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gaillardia
Flower
Color: Red or purple
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Description
Gaillardia amblyodon is an annual herb with leafy stems. It grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. Each flower head is on its own up to 6 inches (15 cm) long flower stalk and has 8 to 12 red or purple (rarely yellow) ray flowers surrounding 30 to 60 disc flowers, yellow with purple tips.
Hardiness
It is grown as an annual plant, so it has no USDA hardiness zone.
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 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. The 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
It has been found only in the state of Texas in the south-central United States.
Links
- Back to genus Gaillardia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
