Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Burgunder'
ABOUT
The Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Burgunder', commonly known as the Burgundy Blanket Flower, is a herbaceous perennial that is known for its strikingly vibrant flowers and lush foliage. The most distinguishing feature of this plant is its daisy-like blooms that showcase a deep burgundy-red color. The center of each flower features a prominent, raised disc often a dark reddish-brown, with petals radiating outwards like the rays of the sun. Each petal is tubular and elongated, with slightly frilled edges, adding to the flower's ornamental beauty. The blooms can be characterized by their bold and warm color palette, making them brilliant additions to a garden. These flowers are not just a solitary spectacle; they grow in a prolific manner throughout the blooming season, providing a continuous display of color. The foliage of the Burgundy Blanket Flower is made up of green leaves that are lance-shaped with a somewhat hairy texture. The leaves are medium green in color and provide a lovely contrast to the rich burgundy of the blooms. Their arrangement is dense and adds to the lushness of the plant's overall appearance. As a perennial, the Burgundy Blanket Flower brings life to gardens each year with these characteristic features.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Burgundy Gaillardia, Burgundy Blanket Flower.
Common names
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Burgundy'.
ToxicityTo humans
Blanket Flower, which is the common name for Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Burgunder', is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no substantive evidence indicating that ingesting parts of this plant leads to poisoning or adverse health effects in humans.
To pets
Blanket Flower is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets, and ingestion of this plant should not cause any toxic reactions or symptoms of poisoning in animals. However, it is always advisable to prevent pets from eating plants as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Burgundy
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Burgunder', commonly known as Blanket Flower, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Drought tolerance: Blanket Flower is highly resistant to drought, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, which can save time and resources for gardeners.
- Long blooming period: Blanket Flower offers a lengthy display of blooms from early summer to early fall, providing vibrant color in the garden for an extended period.
- Heat resistant: It performs well in hot and sunny conditions, an ideal choice for warm climates or areas with intense summer heat.
- Soil adaptability: Blanket Flower can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor soils, reducing the need for soil amendments and fertilizers.
- Deer resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a suitable choice for areas where deer browsing is a common problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaillardia can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of hues from yellows to browns depending on the mordant used.
- The dried petals of Blanket Flower can be incorporated into potpourris for their color and subtle fragrance, contributing to a visually appealing mix.
- Pressed Blanket Flower blooms can be used in botanical art or herbarium collections, showcasing the diversity and beauty of flowering plants in craft projects.
- The stems and foliage can sometimes be used as fodder for some farm animals, adding variety to their diet.
- Blanket Flower petals can be used for adornment in salads or as decorative cake toppers, offering an edible garnish with a splash of color.
- The use of Blanket Flower blooms in photography and botanical illustration helps to educate and inspire interest in plant diversity and gardening.
- Gaillardia can be used in solar dyeing, a process where the sun's heat assists in transferring the colors from the petals to the fabric.
- The seed heads of Blanket Flower, when dried, provide textural interest in autumn and winter floral arrangements and wreaths.
- Interplanted with vegetable crops, Blanket Flowers can attract beneficial insects that help with pest control in organic horticulture practices.
- The pattern and color of Blanket Flower petals can inspire designs in industries such as fashion, textiles, and home decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blanket Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blanket Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Strength: Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Burgunder', commonly known as Blanket Flower, often symbolizes perseverance and strength due to its ability to thrive in harsh environments and poor soils. Its resilience reminds us of the capacity to endure and prosper despite difficulties.
- Optimism and Joy: The bright colors of the Blanket Flower, ranging from deep reds to vivid yellows, are associated with cheerfulness, positive energy, and the warmth of the sun. This plant is often seen as a symbol of good cheer and a positive outlook on life.
- Native Spirit: Named after the pattern of blankets woven by Native Americans, the Blanket Flower is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the American plains where this flower is native.
WaterBlanket Flowers should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic their natural drought-tolerant environment. It's best to water them once a week with about one inch of water, ensuring you wet the soil thoroughly. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water them slightly more often. For established plants, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. The goal is to encourage deep root growth by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings; avoid shallow, frequent watering which can weaken the plant.
LightBlanket Flowers thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when they receive sunlight throughout the entirety of the day, so the ideal spot for them would be in an area that is not shaded and receives unfiltered sunlight.
TemperatureBlanket Flowers are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefer to grow in conditions between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may not survive if temperatures dip below this for an extended period. These flowers should not be exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as extreme heat can stress them.
PruningBlanket Flowers should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming throughout the season. Deadheading, or the removal of faded blooms, can be done regularly. Cutting the plants back by one-third in midsummer can help rejuvenate them and promote a new flush of growth and flowers. The best time for more extensive pruning is late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlanket Flower thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix suitable for this plant could be composed of garden soil, coarse sand, and peat to ensure good drainage and aeration. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can provide nutrients for healthier growth.
RepottingBlanket Flowers do not typically require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. They should be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to reinvigorate growth and manage clump size.
Humidity & MistingBlanket Flower is drought-tolerant and does not require high humidity. It can thrive in average atmospheric humidity levels and prefers a drier environment over excessive moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, dry air, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space plants about a foot apart.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleGaillardia × grandiflora 'Burgunder', commonly known as Burgundy Blanket Flower, begins its lifecycle with seed germination when temperatures and soil conditions become suitable. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a low mound of lance-shaped leaves, entering the vegetative stage. By summer, the Burgundy Blanket Flower transitions into the flowering stage, bearing large, daisy-like flowers with deep wine-red petals surrounding a darker center cone. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds that mature and are eventually dispersed, which can lead to the establishment of new plants. In winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is capable of re-emerging from its root system if it is a perennial variety in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Burgunder', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow Blanket Flower seeds is in spring once the risk of frost has passed. You can start the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds lightly on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and keep them moist. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks at temperatures between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost is over, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth.
