Blanket Flower Facts

Climate

• Gaillardias are annuals that easily reseed themselves. They return so easily, in fact, that some home gardeners consider them to be almost like a perennial plant. These hardy and widespread plants grow best in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) growing zones 3 through 11, according to the University of Florida. This means they can be grown anywhere except the coldest climates of the far northern United States and parts of the Rocky Mountain region.

Appearance

• Blanket flowers are short, mounded plants ranging in height and width from one to two feet. They have soft, fuzzy leaves that are split down the middle and large, brightly colored flowers that have an average width of three inches. The flower may be single or double-petaled, depending on the cultivar. Most blanket flowers are shades of red, orange, yellow or purple.

Culture

• Blanket flowers thrive in hot, dry conditions, according to information published by Floridata. They can survive periods of drought. In fact, too much water in the soil can cause the plant to develop root rot, a fungal disease that destroys the roots of the plant. The soil should be sandy but well-draining. Blanket flowers are often planted in coastal areas because they grow so well in sandy soils. They also make excellent container flowers.

Planting

• Space individual plants between 12 and 18 inches apart. While these flowers grow from seed, they do not grow true to color and form. Planting young hybrids is best if you want good results. Spring planting will allow these plants to bloom in late July and early August, where they will thrive in the summer heat.

Maintenence

• Home gardeners do not need to worry about insect pests or diseases bothering these flowers, according to the University of Florida. Blanket flowers are extremely hardy and resistant to any serious problems. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) should be undertaken to encourage re-blooming, however. Flowers can be also cut before they wilt and placed in a vase, where they will last for about a week.