Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Oranges and Lemons’ (Blanket Flower)

Taller and more upright than other Gaillardias, Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Oranges and Lemons’ (Blanket Flower) is a bushy, often short-lived herbaceous perennial with large, soft orange flowers, up to 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm), adorned with lemon-yellow tips and a gold central cone. Each plant can produce up to 75 blooms at a single time (!). Blooming from early summer into fall, the daisy-like flowers cover the compact, upright mound of blue-green foliage. Rich in nectar, the flowers are real magnets for butterflies. The round, chartreuse seed heads further extend the interest after the flowers are spent. Drought, humidity, 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 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 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.