Gaillardia

Gaillardia pulchella

Gaillardia, or blanket flower, has bright red and yellow petals that look like flames! They are very cheerful and attract butterflies.

Habitat: Open fields and gardens

Appearance

The Gaillardia has vibrant, daisy-like flowers with petals often ringed in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, sometimes tipped with contrasting colors. Its striking appearance makes it easily recognizable in any garden or field.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusGaillardia

Gaillardia

Interesting facts

Despite its delicate look, Gaillardia is super tough, even shrugging off nibbling deer!

Gaillardia seeds are so tough, they can sprout in bare, sandy soil where other plants struggle.

Its common name, Blanket Flower, comes from its resemblance to colorful Native American blankets!

You can find Gaillardia growing wild all the way from Canada down to central Mexico!

Special abilities

Gaillardia can thrive in intense sunshine and dry conditions, thanks to its tough leaves and roots that conserve water.

Gaillardia has bright, nectar-rich flowers that attract many bees and butterflies, helping them gather food while spreading pollen.

Gaillardia can produce new flowers continuously from late spring into fall, ensuring a long season of colorful displays and seeds.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-60 cm
Spread: 30-45 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Visits flowers for nectar

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Collects pollen and nectar

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Everblooming

Discover plants that seem to bloom non-stop, gracing your garden with colorful flowers throughout an extended season. They're always ready to show off!

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.