Gaillardia x grandiflora Mesa Red (Blanket Flower)

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Mesa Red' (Blanket Flower) is a bushy, often short-lived herbaceous perennial with profuse, intense red flowers, which give way to attractive globe-shaped seed heads. Blooming from early to late summer, about 2-3 weeks earlier than comparative varieties, the daisy-like flowers retain their vibrant color all season and do not fade. Rich in nectar, the flowers are real magnets for butterflies. This popular Blanket Flower forms a very uniform, compact, well-branched plant with a strong, upright habit. Drought and heat tolerant, wind and rain resistant, it requires little care once established. It flowers the first year.

• Easily grown in a compact mound up to 14-16 in. tall (35-40 cm) and 20-22 in. wide (50-55 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.