One cheery bloomer in the Tahoe Basin can be seen in bloom from late June until frost is the easy to grow Gaillardia. Native to the North American continent, this delicate flower is tougher than it looks. This short lived perennial reliably self sows, requires little water and attracts pollinators, but not many pests. The common name ‘Blanket Flower’ is thought to be either a reference to Native American blankets, or the drifts of flowers blanketing the midwestern landscape.
Colors may vary from bright red, to a red/yellow combination to mostly yellow. Plant seeds now or later in fall for blooms next summer. Gaillardia will do best in well drained light soil amended with compost. Water consistently until plants are established. Gaillardia requires full sun, and tolerates poor soils, although plant size may be smaller under those conditions (photos show plants growing in native Tahoe soil). Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage continuous bloom until the fall. If you want to let the flowers go to seed and produce the next years crop of new plants, leave seed heads on the plants after September. You can also gather seeds at this time for planting in other areas of your garden.
Normally Gaillardia plants will last two or three years and the plants will continue to expand. You can divide larger clumps if desired. The hairy stems and leaves are usually left alone by rabbits and deer, but may cause skin irritation.
Cut flowers for bouquets early in the day, and you will have several days to enjoy the cheerful colors indoors, although these blooms will shed some pollen.
The University of Wisconsin Extension offers more details on the history, geography and care of Gaillardia. The site also has details on each species with colorful photos and descriptions.
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