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Blanketflower

Gaillardia x grandiflora

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy)
Also in this family:
Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual or Perennial
Maximum Size:
70 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, grassland, meadows, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, seaside, towns, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Red, many petals
 
Large daisy-like flowers that are usually solitary on the end of a long stalk. 6 to 18 3-lobed petals per flower. The petals are bright red with yellow tips. Flowers have a large dark red, or purple central disc.
Fruit:
Blanketflowers do not produce typical fruits like those of many other plants. Instead, they reproduce via seeds. After the flowers bloom and are pollinated, they develop seed heads that contain small, dark seeds. These seeds are dispersed by various means, including wind, animals, or human interaction. The seeds are the reproductive structures of the plant and play a crucial role in the plant's life cycle, enabling the growth of new plants in suitable environments.
Leaves:
The leaves of the Blanketflower are typically lance-shaped with toothed edges. They have a medium to dark green colour and are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are moderately textured and may have a slightly hairy or rough surface. The size of the leaves can vary, with larger leaves towards the base of the plant and smaller leaves along the upper stems. Overall, the foliage contributes to the plant's overall appearance, providing a green backdrop to the vibrant and colourful flowers.
Aroma:
Blanketflowers typically do not have a strong or distinctive aroma. These plants are primarily grown for their vibrant and colourful flowers, and their fragrance is not a notable characteristic. In general, the scent profile of blanketflowers is subtle, and many varieties are cultivated more for visual appeal than for any discernible fragrance. Gardeners and enthusiasts appreciate blanketflowers for their visual impact rather than relying on them for aromatic qualities. It's important to note that scent can vary among different cultivars, so individual experiences with the aroma may vary.
Other Names:
Bandana Daisy, Brown-eyed Susan, Common Gaillardia, Firewheel, Indian Blanket, Indian Sunburst, Perfume Ball, Rose-ring Gaillardia, Sundance.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Gaillardia x grandiflora, also known as blanket flower or firewheel, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It is a hybrid plant that is produced by crossing two species of Gaillardia, G. aristata and G. pinnatifada. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is known for its brightly colored flowers, which are often red, orange, or yellow with a dark center. The plant has hairy, gray-green leaves and grows to be about 1-2 feet tall. G. x grandiflora is a popular garden plant and is often used in wildflower mixes or as a naturalized planting. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant is attractive to pollinators and is a popular nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Blog

Blanketflower, also known as Gaillardia x grandiflora, is a beautiful and versatile annual flower that is well-known for its bright and vibrant blooms. It is native to North America and can be found growing in many different regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia.

One of the key features of blanketflower is its long flowering period. It can bloom from late spring all the way through to fall, which makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to keep their gardens looking colorful and bright all season long. The flowers themselves are daisy-like and come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

Blanketflower is also an extremely easy plant to grow and care for. It is very drought-tolerant, which means that it can survive and thrive in hot, dry conditions without needing a lot of water. This makes it a great choice for xeriscape gardens and other low-maintenance landscapes. It is also hardy and able to tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, which means that it can be grown in many different parts of the world.

In addition to its beauty and versatility, blanketflower is also a great choice for gardeners who are looking to attract wildlife to their gardens. It is a favorite food source for many different species of butterflies and bees, which makes it a great choice for butterfly gardens and other wildlife habitats.

If you are looking for a bright, easy-to-grow flower that will add color and life to your garden all season long, then blanketflower is definitely worth considering. Whether you are planting it in a garden bed, along a walkway, or in a container, this beautiful flower is sure to make a stunning statement wherever it is grown.

Blanketflower is also an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. Its long-lasting blooms and bright colors make it a popular choice for both fresh and dried flower arrangements. When cut, the stems should be placed in water immediately, as they tend to wilt quickly when out of water.

It is important to deadhead blanketflowers regularly in order to prolong their flowering period and promote re-blooming. This simply involves removing spent blooms as soon as they begin to fade. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and keep your garden looking its best throughout the season.

When planting blanketflower, it is best to do so in a location that receives full sun exposure. It will grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are planting it in a garden bed, it is important to space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart, as they will grow to be about 18-24 inches tall and wide.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, blanketflower also has medicinal properties. The indigenous people of North America used the plant for its medicinal properties to treat various ailments, such as headaches, skin irritations, and digestive problems. The plant is still used today in traditional medicine, although it is important to note that it should not be used without the guidance of a healthcare professional, as some parts of the plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Blanketflower is also a popular choice for landscaping due to its low-maintenance requirements and versatility. It is often used in rock gardens, wildflower gardens, and as borders for flower beds. It is also a popular choice for planting in large drifts for a bold and colorful impact.

When it comes to choosing companion plants for blanketflower, there are many options to consider. Some popular choices include other drought-tolerant plants such as catmint, salvia, and yarrow. These plants will complement the blanketflower and help create a stunning display that will last throughout the season.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that blanketflower is an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking to create a sustainable and eco-friendly garden. This is because it is native to North America, which means that it requires very little maintenance, fertilizer, or water. This makes it an environmentally responsible choice for gardeners who are looking to reduce their impact on the environment.

In conclusion, blanketflower is an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance, and versatile flower that will add color and life to their gardens for many years to come. Whether you are planting it for its ornamental qualities, its medicinal properties, or simply for its ease of care, this beautiful flower is sure to make a stunning statement in your garden.


30 Facts About Blanketflowers

  1. Scientific Name: Gaillardia x grandiflora is the scientific name for blanketflowers.
  2. Native Habitat: Blanketflowers are native to North and South America.
  3. Common Names: They are also known as Indian blankets, firewheels, and sundance.
  4. Appearance: The flowers have a distinct daisy-like appearance with red or yellow outer petals and a central disk in shades of red, yellow, or brown.
  5. Perennial or Annual: Blanketflowers can be both perennial and annual, depending on the variety.
  6. Growing Conditions: They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sunlight.
  7. Drought Tolerance: Blanketflowers are known for their drought tolerance once established.
  8. Attracts Pollinators: These flowers attract butterflies and bees, making them beneficial for pollinator gardens.
  9. Cultural Importance: Some Native American tribes historically used blanketflowers for medicinal purposes.
  10. Color Varieties: Blanketflowers come in various color combinations, including red, yellow, orange, and bi-color varieties.
  11. Height: They typically grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet.
  12. Blooming Season: Blanketflowers often bloom from late spring to early fall.
  13. Low Maintenance: These flowers are relatively low-maintenance and are suitable for xeriscaping.
  14. Hybrid Varieties: There are hybrid varieties developed for specific traits, such as compact size or unique color patterns.
  15. Symbolic Meaning: In the language of flowers, blanketflowers can symbolize strength and endurance.
  16. Cultural Significance: They are sometimes used in cultural events and festivals for their vibrant colors.
  17. Seed Propagation: Blanketflowers can be easily propagated from seeds.
  18. Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides habitat and food for various wildlife due to its nectar-rich flowers.
  19. Companion Planting: They make excellent companions for other sun-loving plants in gardens.
  20. Cut Flowers: Blanketflowers are suitable for cut flower arrangements due to their long stems and vibrant colors.
  21. Disease Resistance: They are generally resistant to many common plant diseases.
  22. Soil pH: Blanketflowers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
  23. Fertilization: Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth, so minimal fertilization is recommended.
  24. Container Gardening: Some varieties are well-suited for container gardening.
  25. Medicinal Uses: Historically, some Native American tribes used blanketflowers for medicinal teas and poultices.
  26. Longevity: With proper care, blanketflowers can live for several years.
  27. Deer Resistance: Blanketflowers are often resistant to deer browsing.
  28. Cultural Diversity: Different Native American tribes had various uses and meanings associated with blanketflowers.
  29. Landscaping: They are popular choices for landscaping due to their hardiness and vibrant colors.
  30. Educational Value: Growing blanketflowers can be an educational experience for understanding native plants and ecosystems.

Video

Blanketflowers filmed at Crosby in Lancashire on the 3rd July 2023.

 

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