Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze' (PBR)
ABOUT
Gaillardia 'Fanblaze', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is a vibrant perennial that boasts an explosion of color that adds warmth and brightness to gardens. The plant is characterized by its large daisy-like flowers with a striking pattern. Each bloom features a bold, rich red center that fades into a ring of yellow at the edges, giving it a fiery appearance reminiscent of a sunset. The petals are slightly elongated with rounded tips, and they are arranged in multiple layers that create a full, frilly look. The prominent central cone of the flower is a deep maroon, almost brown, that contributes to the intensity of the bloom’s hue. The foliage of the Blanket Flower is green and forms a mounded habit, with leaves that are lance-shaped, somewhat hairy, and exhibit a fine texture that complements the bold flowers. The Blanket Flower has a long blooming season, delighting gardeners and pollinators alike from early summer into the fall. Its flowers stand atop tall, sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, and these are often visited by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Despite the absence of size details, be assured that Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' makes a substantial impact with its showy blossoms that can be seen dotting gardens with vivid color for much of the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Blanket Flower, Firewheel.
Common names
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze' (PBR) is Blanket Flower. Blanket Flowers are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is not known to contain any toxic compounds that could lead to serious illness or death. However, like with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild irritation or discomfort if ingested, and it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
The common name for Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze' (PBR) is Blanket Flower. Blanket Flowers are not commonly listed as toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. There is no evidence to suggest that this plant would cause serious harm or poisoning if ingested by pets. While not considered poisonous, ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals due to the novelty of the material or individual sensitivity, so it is always prudent to keep an eye on pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on any plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Blanket Flower is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are key players in the pollination of many plants.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal water, making it ideal for water-conserving landscapes and dry climates.
- Low maintenance: The plant doesn't require much care beyond the initial planting, it resists pests and diseases well.
- Long blooming period: Blanket Flower offers a long season of vivid blooms, usually from early summer to fall.
- Colorful displays: With its vibrant red, yellow, and orange flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens, borders, and containers.
- Heat resistant: It can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for sunny and hot areas where other plants might struggle.
- Soil adaptability: Blanket Flower can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides nectar and habitat for a variety of insects and birds, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to propagate: Blanket Flower is easily propagated through seeds or division, making it simple to spread the plant around the garden or share with others.
- Fast growth: The plant tends to grow quickly, allowing rapid establishment and coverage in new plantings or garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' dried flowers can be used in potpourri for their color and shape, maintaining a vibrant appeal even when dried.
- The petals of Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' can be pressed into books or paper for decorative floral art, preserving their bright hues for artistic projects.
- Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' petals are sometimes used in natural dye-making processes, providing shades of yellow and orange to fabrics and materials.
- With their sturdy stems and bright colors, Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' can be crafted into jewelry, such as earrings or pendants, for botanical-inspired fashion pieces.
- Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' can be used as a garnish for culinary dishes, offering an eye-catching edible decoration that is sure to charm food enthusiasts.
- When Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' is planted in outdoor learning environments, it can serve as an educational tool to teach children about pollination and the lifecycle of plants.
- Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' can be incorporated into eco-friendly art supplies by using the petals to create natural confetti, bringing a touch of nature to celebrations.
- The Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' plant can be used in photography as a prop or background subject, adding a splash of color and texture to the composition.
- Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' is suitable for creating living walls or vertical gardens due to its compact size and vibrant colors, thus contributing aesthetically to small urban spaces.
- By using Gaillardia 'Fanblaze' in cut flower arrangements with long-lasting foliage, florists can offer sustainable bouquet options with these perennials.
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: The Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flower, is known for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and full sun, symbolizing the ability to persist through challenges.
- Cheerfulness: With its bright, bold colors, the Blanket Flower represents a sense of joy and positivity, bringing a cheerful presence to any garden.
- Endurance: This plant's long blooming season, from early summer into autumn, symbolizes endurance and the ability to sustain beauty and vitality over time.
WaterBlanket flowers, like Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze', are drought-tolerant once established and should be watered deeply but infrequently. They thrive in well-drained soil, which should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the active growing season, watering once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant should be sufficient, depending on local weather conditions and soil type. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to adjust your watering schedule during periods of rainfall.
LightBlanket flowers, including Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze', prefer full sun conditions and require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting these flowers is in an open area where they receive ample sunlight throughout the day, avoiding shaded or partially shaded areas. They are well-suited for a sunny border or in a garden spot that gets unfiltered sunshine.
TemperatureBlanket flowers, such as Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze', can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best in warm conditions between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. Ensure the temperatures do not consistently exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit as this may stress the plants.
PruningPruning Blanket flowers such as Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze' is done primarily to encourage bushier growth and more flowering. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to promote new flowers. You can also cut back the plants in late summer if they become leggy. Prune about one-third of the plant to rejuvenate and encourage new growth. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlanket Flower thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and nutrition.
RepottingBlanket Flowers do not require frequent repotting; repotting every 2-3 years or when root-bound is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingBlanket Flowers prefer low to moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions, without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleGaillardia x grandiflora 'Fanblaze', commonly known as Blanket Flower, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring after the last frost, requiring warm soil and full sunlight. Seedlings emerge and establish a strong root system, followed by the development of distinctive foliage. The plant enters a vegetative stage, producing hairy, lance-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette with erect stems. As the weather warms, the Blanket Flower transitions to the flowering stage, usually in early summer, showcasing its vibrant, daisy-like, bicolored blooms with yellow edges and reddish centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, it sets seeds by late summer or early fall, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant may die back in winter, especially in colder regions, but it is a perennial and will regrow from the rootstock or self-seed the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
Propogation: The best time for propagating Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanblaze', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method is via division. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system and some shoots. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new divisions well to ensure they establish a strong root system. This straightforward method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the vigor and true characteristics of the 'Fanblaze' variety.
