Red Gaillardia, commonly referred to as Blanket Flower, is a vibrant and hardy perennial native to North America. Known for its striking red and yellow flowers that resemble a blanket of color, Gaillardia is often used in gardens to attract pollinators, add bold color, and create an eye-catching landscape feature. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
This care guide provides everything you need to grow and maintain healthy, beautiful Red Gaillardia plants.
Overview
- Common Name: Red Gaillardia, Blanket Flower
- Scientific Name: Gaillardia pulchella
- Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Mature Size: 12 to 18 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer, often reblooming in fall
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3 to 10
1. Light Requirements
Gaillardia thrives in full sun, which is essential for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Ideal Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
- Partial Shade: Can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced
- Consequences of Insufficient Light: Plants may become leggy and produce fewer flowers
To encourage vibrant colors and strong blooms, provide as much direct sunlight as possible.
2. Soil Requirements
Red Gaillardia is relatively adaptable when it comes to soil, but it prefers well-draining soil conditions.
- Soil Type: Light, well-draining soil
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
- Soil Texture: Loamy or sandy soil works best
- Drainage: Excellent drainage is essential to avoid root rot
Amend heavy or clayey soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.
3. Watering Needs
While Gaillardia is drought-tolerant once established, it needs consistent watering during its first growing season to develop strong roots.
- First Year: Keep the soil moist, watering deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather
- Established Plants: Water moderately; let the soil dry out between waterings
- Overwatering: Avoid waterlogged conditions, as Gaillardia is prone to root rot if overwatered
- Underwatering: Though drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness can stress the plant and reduce blooming
Water at the base of the plant to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Red Gaillardia is adaptable to a range of temperatures but thrives in warm conditions.
- Ideal Temperature: 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) during the growing season
- Cold Tolerance: Tolerates frost but may die back in colder climates (hardy to USDA zones 3 to 10)
- Heat Tolerance: Extremely heat-tolerant once established
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity; can tolerate dry air and is often used in xeriscaping
In colder zones, mulch around the base of the plant in winter for protection.
5. Fertilizing
Gaillardia doesn’t require heavy feeding, but occasional fertilization can encourage stronger growth and more vibrant blooms.
- Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a bloom-boosting fertilizer high in phosphorus
- Frequency: Apply once in early spring as new growth begins, and again in mid-summer if needed
- Excess Fertilizer: Too much nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Over-fertilizing may lead to leggy plants with fewer blooms, so moderation is key.
6. Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning and deadheading are important for maintaining a neat appearance and encouraging new blooms.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and to prevent self-seeding
- Pruning: Cut back leggy stems or damaged foliage in early spring before new growth appears
- Cutting Back: In late fall, trim back the plant to the ground after the first frost for a cleaner look
Deadheading also helps prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production, allowing it to focus on flower production.
7. Planting and Spacing
When planting Red Gaillardia, proper spacing and good soil preparation are crucial for healthy growth.
- Planting Time: Best planted in early spring after the danger of frost has passed
- Spacing: Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot, ensuring the root ball is level with the surrounding soil
Proper spacing will help prevent overcrowding, which can reduce airflow and increase the risk of fungal diseases.
8. Propagation
Gaillardia can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
From Seeds:
- Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed
- Lightly cover the seeds with soil, as they require light to germinate
- Keep soil moist and warm until seeds germinate (usually 10 to 14 days)
From Division:
- Divide mature clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring or fall to maintain plant health and vigor
- Use a sharp spade to separate the clumps, making sure each division has healthy roots
From Cuttings:
- Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer, ensuring they are healthy and free of disease
- Root the cuttings in a moist potting mix, and place in a warm location with indirect light
9. Pests and Diseases
Gaillardia is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some common garden pests and diseases.
Common Pests:
- Aphids
- Slugs and snails
- Spider mites
Treat with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or an appropriate pesticide for severe infestations.
Common Diseases:
- Powdery mildew (especially in humid conditions)
- Rust
- Fungal root rot (from poor drainage)
To prevent diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
10. Flowering and Longevity
Red Gaillardia is prized for its bright, daisy-like flowers with red, orange, and yellow petals. These flowers bloom profusely from late spring through summer and often continue into fall, depending on conditions.
- Blooming Duration: Red Gaillardia flowers bloom in late spring to fall, with periodic deadheading promoting more blooms
- Longevity: As a perennial, Gaillardia can live for several years with proper care
- Flowering Tip: Deadheading spent flowers regularly encourages continuous blooming and helps prevent seed production
Flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
11. Landscaping Uses
Red Gaillardia is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping designs.
- Borders: Ideal for borders, where its bright flowers create a bold statement
- Wildflower Gardens: Works well in wildflower or meadow-style gardens
- Xeriscaping: Perfect for water-wise gardens due to its drought tolerance
- Cut Flowers: Long-lasting as a cut flower in bouquets and arrangements
The vibrant color and unique shape of the flowers make Red Gaillardia a standout plant in many garden styles.
Final Thoughts
Red Gaillardia is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that provides stunning color and attracts pollinators to your garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is perfect for a variety of garden settings, including xeriscapes, wildflower gardens, and borders. With minimal care—just proper watering, occasional pruning, and deadheading—you can enjoy a long blooming season and vibrant flowers year after year.