Gaillardia Burgundy (Blanket Flower)

Excellent for cutting, Gaillardia 'Burgundy' (Blanket Flower) is a bushy, often short-lived herbaceous perennial with large, deep wine-red flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), adorned with a button-like center which emerges bright yellow and then slowly matures to oxblood-red. Blooming continuously from early summer into fall, the daisy-like flowers are borne on very long stems and are ideal for cutting. Rich in nectar, the flowers are real magnets for butterflies. Drought and heat tolerant, this Blanket Flower requires little care once established. Ideal for containers, beds, and borders.

• Easily grown in a compact mound up to 30 in. tall and wide (75 cm).
• Thrives in full sun, in average, medium, well-drained soils, in rocky or sandy places. Although dry soils tolerant, it prefers moist soils, but good drainage is essential!
• Easy care plant with few insect or disease problems. Rarely eaten by deer.
• A wonderful addition to the garden, this enthusiastic bloomer is well suited to perennial borders, containers, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or cutting gardens. Makes excellent cut flowers.
• Easy to grow from seed in the garden after the last frost or indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
• Remove faded flowers to encourage further blooms.
• Blanket flowers are often relatively short-lived. Cutting back clumps to 6 in. in late summer (15 cm) often increases their chances of winter survival. You can also keep your plants vigorous by dividing them every 2-3 years in spring or early fall.