What hardiness zones is Gaillardia aristata suitable for?

Gaillardia aristata is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Gaillardia aristata?

Gaillardia aristata requires Full Sun.

How much water does Gaillardia aristata need?

Gaillardia aristata has Very Low water needs.

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Perennials

Gaillardia aristata

blanketflower

Asteraceae

Western Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region of North America

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18–30 inches (45–75 cm)

Width18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming perennial reaching 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Stems erect to sprawling, branched, covered in stiff hairs. Leaves lance-shaped to spoon-shaped, 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long, gray-green, with wavy to shallowly toothed margins; stem leaves alternate and clasping. Flower heads solitary on long stems, 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across, with ray florets notched at the tip in yellow, often with a red-orange to red zone at the base, surrounding a prominent domed disc of maroon-red to purple-brown tubular florets. Wild forms vary from nearly all-yellow to strongly bicolor; garden selections typically emphasize the bicolor pattern. Blooms late spring through fall with deadheading. Native to open prairies, grasslands, and rocky slopes of western North America. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Short-lived perennial — clumps may decline after 2–3 years; divide or allow self-seeding to maintain.

Native Range

Gaillardia aristata is native to the grasslands, prairies, and open rocky slopes of the western Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region of North America, ranging from British Columbia and Alberta south through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and into the northern Great Plains. It grows in well-drained, lean soils in open sunny habitats.

Suggested Uses

Used in prairie-style plantings, dry borders, and meadow gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Excellent cut flower lasting 7–10 days in water. Attracts butterflies and native bees throughout its long bloom season. Tolerates lean, dry, and rocky soils that challenge most perennials. Well-suited to xeriscape plantings in zones 3–7.

How to Identify

Identified by stiffly hairy, lance-shaped gray-green leaves and solitary flower heads 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across with notched ray florets — typically yellow at the tip grading to red-orange at the base — and a prominent domed maroon-red to brown central disc. Distinguished from Gaillardia pulchella (Indian blanket, an annual) by perennial growth from a persistent crown and larger flower heads. Distinguished from Rudbeckia by the domed (not flat) disc and notched ray tips.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

orange

red

maroon

Foliage Colors

green

gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

SpringSummerFall

Blooms late May through October in most temperate climates, with peak flowering June through August. Deadheading spent flower heads prolongs bloom by 2–3 weeks. In zones 7–8, may begin blooming in April. A short-lived perennial that may bloom heavily for 2–3 years before decline; self-seeding can produce new plants. Individual flower heads last 2–3 weeks on the plant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Ray florets yellow at tip, red-orange at base; domed maroon-red to brown disc

Foliage Description

Gray-green, lance-shaped to spoon-shaped, stiffly hairy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in lean to average, sharply drained soil. Excellent drainage is critical — plants decline and rot in wet or heavy clay soils, especially in winter. Space plants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Once established, tolerates extended drought of 2–4 weeks without irrigation. Do not fertilize; excess fertility produces lush, floppy growth and reduces flowering and lifespan. Cut back by one-third after the first flush in early July to encourage a second flush. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to rejuvenate; or allow plants to self-seed. A short-lived perennial in humid or wet climates; treat as a 3-year plant and plan for replacement.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower heads by cutting to the next lateral bud to extend the long bloom season. Cut back by one-third in early July after the first main flush to stimulate branching and rebloom. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late fall or early spring; do not cut into the crown.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic