Perennials – Blanket Flower

• 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