Gaillardia x grandiflora Fanfare (Blanket Flower)

Noted for its unique pinwheel blooms and exceptionally long flowering period, Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Fanfare' (Blanket Flower) is a bushy, often short-lived herbaceous perennial with scarlet flowers adorned with trumpeted petals and bright yellow tips. Blooming from early summer into fall, the flamboyant flowers cover the neat mound of light green foliage and make a dramatic statement in the landscape. 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 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 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.