Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Celebration' (PBR)

Water

Gaillardia, commonly known as Blanket Flower, prefers evenly moist soil during the growing season, so it should be watered once a week with about one inch of water. During hot and dry conditions, you may need to water it twice a week to maintain suitable moisture levels, especially if it's planted in well-draining soil which tends to dry out faster. In cooler seasons or rainy periods, reduce the frequency to prevent soggy conditions. Always check the top few inches of the soil for dryness before watering. It’s better to provide a deep watering so that the moisture reaches the deeper root zones, rather than frequent shallow watering.

Light

Blanket Flower thrives in full sun and will perform the best when it is situated in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in areas with too much shade as this can lead to poor bloom development and an increased risk of fungal diseases due to reduced air circulation and less intense light. An ideal spot would be an open garden area without overhead obstructions like trees or taller plants that could cast a shadow.

Temperature

The Blanket Flower can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions where the temperature remains between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can survive summer highs that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can be detrimental. It’s ideal to plant it in locations that don't experience drastic temperature fluctuations for optimal health and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Blanket Flower involves deadheading spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding, which keeps the garden tidy and promotes more blooms. Also, you can cut back the plant by one-third in late summer if it becomes leggy or to rejuvenate the foliage. Pruning should be done regularly throughout the flowering season, and a more thorough cutback can be performed in late autumn or early spring to prepare the plant for new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Blanket Flower prefers a soil mix consisting of well-draining loamy or sandy soil, with added organic matter such as compost. The soil pH should lean towards slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. It is important to avoid soils that retain excessive moisture to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Blanket Flowers do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if they become root-bound or when the soil is depleted of nutrients, approximately every 2-3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Blanket Flower tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. It thrives in outdoor conditions, thus typical ambient outdoor humidity is sufficient for its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.

• Hardiness zone

  3-10 USDA

Life cycle

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Celebration', commonly known as Blanket Flower, starts its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm soil conditions and with adequate moisture. From germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it forms upright stems and begins its vegetative growth phase, producing a proliferation of foliage. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase in late spring or early summer, showcasing vibrant red and yellow blooms which attract pollinators and can last until the first frost. After blooming, the Blanket Flower sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle; these seeds can be dispersed by wind or other means to give rise to new plants. The plant is a perennial, so after the flowering season, it typically goes dormant in winter, storing energy in its roots to regrow in the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-summer

• Propogation: Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Celebration', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide Blanket Flowers is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the entire plant, using a shovel or garden fork, and gently tease apart the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots and shoots. These clumps can then be immediately replanted in the ground or potted up, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.