Gaillardia pulchella (Indian Blanket)

Native to most of the United States, Gaillardia pulchella (Indian Blanket) is a showy annual or short-lived perennial boasting daisy-like flower heads, 2 in. across (5 cm), with a brownish-red center disk surrounded by red rays with yellow tips. Blooming from late spring to fall, the flowers provide continuous color in the garden or containers. They are borne atop hairy branching stems that are mostly leafless at the top. The alternate leaves, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), may be entire or somewhat toothed. Rich in nectar, the flowers attract many pollinators, including honey and native bees, and butterflies. Birds love the seed heads. An important wildflower of the prairies and meadows, Gaillardia pulchella is easy to grow, heat and drought-tolerant and requires little care. It reseeds readily and can form dense colonies. This species is a short-lived perennial in warm, coastal areas.

• Grows up to 10-12 in. tall (25-30 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm). Reseeds in optimum growing conditions.
• Thrives in full sun, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Prefers sandy soils and tolerates poor, dry soils. Rich soils will produce large, floppy plants with few flowers. It is salt-tolerant and is often used in coastal landscapes.
• Easy-care plant with no serious pest or disease issues. Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Deadheading and supplemental summer watering will prolong the bloom period.
• A wonderful addition to the garden, this enthusiastic bloomer is well suited to beds and borders, containers, rock gardens, butterfly gardens, or prairies and meadows.
• Easy to grow from seed in the garden after the last frost or indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
• Native to the eastern and south-central United States, Mexico.