Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Dazzler'
ABOUT
The 'Dazzler' is a stunning cultivar known for its bright and vivid flowers. The blooms feature a bold contrast of red and yellow, with the red often forming a circular pattern near the center, sometimes described as a ring or a halo, and the petals transitioning to a sunny yellow at the tips. This burst of warm colors gives the flower a fiery appearance that is sure to catch the eye in any garden setting. Each petal is slightly fringed, adding to the flower's frilly and somewhat wild look. The center of the flower, or the 'eye,' is often a deep burgundy or brownish color, creating a beautiful focal point. The foliage of the 'Dazzler' is medium green, with leaves that are lance-shaped and somewhat hairy, which can give them a slightly rough texture to the touch. The plant has an overall bushy and spreading habit, with stems that are sturdy enough to support the conspicuous flower heads that bloom generously throughout the growing season. It's a perennial, meaning it will come back year after year to delight with its showy display. Additionally, because it is a cultivated hybrid, the 'Dazzler' can sometimes exhibit a range of variation in flower color intensity and patterning, making each bloom unique.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Blanket Flower, Common Gaillardia, Great Blanket Flower, Brown-eyed Susan, Indian Blanket
Common names
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Dazzler'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Blanket Flower is not known to be toxic to humans. There are generally no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is not considered hazardous if ingested. Therefore, consuming any part of the Blanket Flower typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health consequences for humans.
To pets
The Blanket Flower is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not contain any known poisons that would cause symptoms of poisoning in animals like dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the Blanket Flower should not lead to any significant toxic consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Gaillardia 'Dazzler' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: As a plant adapted to dry conditions, it requires less watering once established, making it ideal for water-conscious gardening.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for and does not require frequent fertilization or pruning.
- Long Blooming Season: Gaillardia 'Dazzler' typically blooms from early summer to fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Bright Coloration: The plant produces vibrant red and yellow flowers that can add color and vibrancy to garden beds and landscapes.
- Heat Resistance: It is very tolerant of high temperatures, making it suitable for hot, sunny locations.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Rapid Growth: Gaillardia 'Dazzler' can grow quickly, filling in spaces and establishing itself in the garden in a short period.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide shelter and food sources for wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers of Gaillardia 'Dazzler' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their bold colors and hardiness.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The vibrant petals of Blanket Flower can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, giving it a stunning and eco-friendly pop of color.
- Crafting eco-friendly potpourri: Petals and parts of the Blanket Flower can be dried and mixed with other plant materials to create naturally scented potpourri.
- Photography subject: Due to their bright colors and striking patterns, these flowers are excellent subjects for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Garden art material: Petals and leaves from the Blanket Flower plant can be used in the creation of pressed flower art, adding natural elements to creative projects.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of Blanket Flower petals can be used to garnish salads and desserts, making for an attractive and edible addition to dishes.
- Seasonal wreath decorating: Dried Blanket Flower heads can be incorporated into wreaths and other decorative arrangements for a burst of color that lasts.
- Educational tool: Gardeners may use Blanket Flower to teach principles of plant care, pollinator attraction, and drought tolerance in gardening workshops or courses.
- Erosion control: The Blanket Flower, with its extensive root system, can be utilized in garden landscapes to prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Bird attraction: The seed heads of Blanket Flower, if left on the plant, can attract birds such as finches who feed on the seeds, aiding in biodiversity and bird-watching activities.
- Creative gift wrapping: Fresh or dried Blanket Flower blooms can be used to adorn gift packages for an extra special and natural touch to gift-giving.
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- Endurance: The Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flower, is known for its ability to withstand hot conditions and remain vibrant, symbolizing endurance and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Perseverance: Because Blanket Flowers can thrive in poor soil conditions and still produce bright, beautiful blooms, they represent perseverance and the willingness to overcome adversity.
- Cheerfulness: The bright colors of the Blanket Flower, often in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, symbolize cheerfulness and positivity, bringing a sense of joy to gardens and landscapes.
- Protection: The name "Blanket Flower" is derived from the plant’s ability to blanket the ground in a protective manner, much like how native blankets were created and used for protection.
WaterBlanket flowers (Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Dazzler') should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a robust root system. Generally, watering once a week with about one inch of water is sufficient, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. However, this may vary depending on climate conditions and soil type; sandy soils require more frequent watering than clay soils. During periods of extended heat and dryness, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again to avoid overwatering, as blanket flowers are drought-tolerant and too much moisture can lead to root rot.
LightBlanket flowers thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting blanket flowers would be an area with unobstructed exposure to the sun, such as a south-facing garden bed. They can tolerate some light shade, but flowering may be less abundant in such conditions.
TemperatureBlanket flowers prefer warm environments and are hardy in a broad temperature range. They can endure minimum temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but thrive between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Maximum temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit without harming the plant. They're well-suited to most temperate climates and can survive hot summers and cold winters alike.
PruningPruning blanket flowers helps to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage new blooms. Cutting back the plant by about one-third in early summer can rejuvenate the plant for a fresh flush of growth and flowers. The best time for substantial pruning is in the spring or after blooming has finished in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Blanket Flower thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and coarse sand can ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingBlanket Flowers are typically perennials that don't need frequent repotting. However, they can be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and manage the size.
Humidity & MistingBlanket Flowers are drought-tolerant and prefer low to moderate humidity levels; high humidity is not necessary for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Blanket Flower, Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Dazzler' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil during spring or started indoors before the last frost. Germination occurs within 1-2 weeks under suitable conditions, and seedlings emerge with their first true leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a foliage clump and establishing a robust root system over the course of the spring and early summer. During the summer, Blanket Flower transitions to the flowering phase, producing vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red petals tipped in yellow that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed by late summer to fall; these seeds may be collected for propagation or left to self-sow for the next generation. As a perennial, Blanket Flower will die back at the end of its growing season in fall and enter dormancy through the winter, ready to begin the cycle anew in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Dazzler', commonly referred to as Blanket Flower, is through seed sowing. Propagation by seeds often occurs in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by seeds, gardeners should scatter the seeds lightly on top of a well-draining soil mix and press them gently into the soil without covering them, as sunlight aids germination. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. Seedlings usually emerge within 2-3 weeks at a temperature range of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Once the seedlings have grown sufficiently and can safely be handled, they should be transplanted to individual pots and eventually into the garden when they are strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
