Gaillardia aristata , usually known as the Blanket Flower , is part of theGaillardiagenus within the Asteraceae family , which also include daisies and sunflowers . This species is characterise by its vibrant , daisy - like heyday with a cardinal disk border by electron beam floret , often in combinations of jaundiced and red . The mintage name “ aristata ” have-to doe with to the bristly nature of the plant life ’s leave and stanch .
Blanket Flower is aboriginal to North America , specifically find across the western United States and into percentage of Canada . Its cooking stove includes areas from British Columbia in Canada , Dixieland through the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains states like Montana , Wyoming , Colorado , Utah , Idaho , and into New Mexico , with some lengthiness eastward into the Dakotas and Nebraska . This species thrives in dry , opened environments such as prairie , meadows , and along roadsides , chew over its adaptation to well - drained grease and full Sunday .
Historically , Gaillardia aristatahas been valued by endemic peoples for its cosmetic beauty and potentially for medicinal the States , though specific uses are less documented compared to other aboriginal plants . The name “ Blanket Flower ” is thought to come from the coloured traffic pattern of traditional aboriginal American blankets or perhaps from its power to blanket areas where it grows . Over fourth dimension , it has become a popular garden plant for its longsighted bloom period of time , vivacious colouration , and hardiness . The hybridization ofGaillardia aristatawithGaillardia pulchellahas led to the growing of many garden salmagundi , expanding its use in cosmetic horticulture .
Blanket Flower is well - adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10 . This wide chain mull over its potentiality to endure both the cold winter of northern climate and the hot , juiceless summer of the southwest U.S. Within these zona , Gaillardia aristatabenefits from full sun exposure , well - drained soils , and can often tolerate periods of drouth , making it an first-class choice for xeriscaping , tilt gardens , or any landscape where low - sustainment , drought - broad works are trust . Its resilience and adaptability have made it a pet among gardeners looking for both aesthetic ingathering and ease of aid .
Identifying Characteristics
Cultivation
Site Selection
Choose a location with full sun exposure for best flowering . Blanket Flower boom in at least 6 hours of lineal sunlight day by day and can tolerate heat well .
Soil Preparation
Prefers well - drained , sandy , or loamy grease . Amend toilsome clay dirt with sand or compost to improve drainage . It ’s adaptable to misfortunate soil shape but will benefit from in force ground structure .
Planting
Plant in spring after the last hoarfrost or in former twilight . Space plants about 12 to 18 inches aside to allow for breeze circulation and ontogenesis . flora at the same depth they were in their pots .
Watering
Water regularly until prove , especially in the first growing season . Once set up , it ’s drought - tolerant but will grow more bloom with occasional watering during prolonged ironical periods .
mulch
Apply a fragile bed of mulch to assist retain ground moisture and keep weeds at bay , but do n’t over - mulch , as this can retain too much moisture around the plant ’s base .
Fertilization
Does not require heavy feeding . If soil is in particular poor , give a wakeful layer of balanced , wearisome - expiration fertilizer in former spring . Over - fertilization can extend to long-legged growth and few flowers .
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadhead spent flowers to boost uninterrupted blooming . Cutting back by about one - third after the first bang of blooms can raise a 2nd wave of flowering .
Pest and Disease Management
Generally resistant to pests , but take in for aphid or spider mites , which can be controlled with water sprays or insecticidal soap . Good aura circulation helps prevent fungous diseases like powdery mould .
extension
cum can be sow directly into the garden in spring or free fall . For more ascendancy , start seeds indoors 6 - 8 hebdomad before the last Robert Frost . Division can be done in outflow or come down every few years to rejuvenate plant .
Winter Care
In colder zones , a visible light mulch around the base can protect the base from extreme cold , althoughGaillardia aristatais quite hardy . In warm zones , no special wintertime forethought is typically demand .
