- Blanket flower
Botanical name: gaillardia aristata
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: up to 2 ft in height and in width
Bloom time: summer, fall
Hardy zone: zones 3-9
Flower color: red, orange, yellow
Foliage color: green
Growth rate: can reach mature size in 2 growing seasons
Pruning instructions: cut ½ the height of the plant after the plant has finished flowering for the year
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: commonly used as an ornamental garden plant
Light needs: at least 6 hours of sunlight a day
Special features: medical benefits
Watering instructions: water when the first 2 inches of soil have dried out from the last watering
Fertilizing instructions : use a low in nitrogen fertilizer in the mid spring
Best time to plant: spring or fall
Best type of soil: sandy
Companion plants: coreopsis, phlox, yarrow
Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets
Invasive species: yes