Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanfare' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Fanfare' is a striking and colorful perennial that is widely admired for its vibrant and unique flowers. The blooms of this plant feature a distinctive trumpet-like shape, with the petals flaring out from the center in a tubular form. Each petal is brilliantly colored in shades of red, orange, and yellow, often with a gradient or ombre effect transitioning from the deep red at the base to a vibrant yellow at the flared tip, giving it a dramatic and fiery appearance. The center of the flower, from which the petals radiate, is typically a deep brown or burgundy, creating a bold contrast with the lighter shades of the trumpet petals. This contrast is one of the hallmarks of 'Fanfare', making the flowers appear almost as if they are glowing from within. Surrounding the central bloom, the foliage of 'Fanfare' provides a lush background that complements its showy flowers. The leaves are medium to dark green, often with a slightly hairy or downy texture, adding to the overall texture of the plant. The leaves are typically lance-shaped or oblong, with smooth or slightly serrated edges, and they are arranged in a way that creates a full and bushy appearance. Overall, the 'Fanfare' presents a harmonious display of color, form, and texture that can be a captivating focal point in any garden setting. Its flowers are known for their long blooming period, which adds to the appeal of this vibrant and eye-catching plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Blanket Flower, Fanfare Blanket Flower
Common names
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanfare' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Blanket flower, the common name for Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanfare', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is little to no information suggesting that it contains any harmful substances that would cause poisoning upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies may exist, and it is typically advised to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Blanket flower is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It does not appear on lists of plants known to be poisonous to pets such as dogs and cats, and there is no well-documented evidence of it causing any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption by pets should be discouraged, and if ingestion does occur, monitoring the pet for signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions is sensible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Blanket Flower is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Adapted to survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long blooming period: Blanket Flower has a long flowering season, usually from early summer to fall, providing ongoing color in the landscape.
- Easy to care: It is low maintenance and doesn't require much attention once established, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Deer resistant: Less attractive to deer than many other garden plants, reducing damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Vivid colors: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant, fiery hues that can brighten up any planting space.
- Heat tolerant: Capable of withstanding high temperatures, perfect for sunny and hot locations.
- Suitable for cutting: Flowers can be cut and used in fresh floral arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Versatile: Can be planted in borders, rock gardens, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Soil adaptable: Grows in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaillardia 'Fanfare' can be used as an indicator of soil pH level; if the plant fails to thrive, it could suggest that the soil is not within the preferred pH range.
- The vibrant blossoms can be used in natural dye-making processes, providing a range of warm tones to textiles.
- These plants can act as a natural mulch; when they drop their leaves and petals, they decompose and enrich the soil.
- The stems of Gaillardia 'Fanfare' can be woven into small decorative items or contribute structure to handicrafts when dried.
- Given their attractiveness to pollinators, these plants can also be strategically placed to improve pollination in vegetable gardens and orchards.
- They can be used in companion planting to reduce the need for pesticides, as they attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- Gaillardia 'Fanfare' can serve as an educational tool in schools for lessons on plant biology, ecology, and the lifecycles of pollinators.
- Their long blooming season makes them excellent subjects for time-lapse photography, which can be used for artistic or educational purposes.
- These flowers can be used in sensory gardens, as their bright colors and soft textures provide visual and tactile stimulation.
- The dried seed heads can be utilized in craft projects, such as making natural homemade confetti or additions to potpourri mixes.
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: Gaillardia, commonly known as Blanket Flower, is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. It symbolizes persistence and the will to survive despite obstacles.
- Cheerfulness: The bright and vibrant colors of the Blanket Flower represent positivity and a sunny disposition, often used to bring a sense of joy to gardens and landscapes.
- Attraction: With its eye-catching appearance, the Blanket Flower can symbolize attraction and magnetism, drawing attention to its unique beauty.
WaterBlanket flowers need to be watered regularly but require good drainage to prevent root rot. In the first growing season, ensure they receive about an inch of water per week, especially during prolonged dry spells. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. It's best to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and often, aiming for about one to two gallons per plant every couple of weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
LightBlanket flowers thrive in full sunlight and should be placed in a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can endure some light shade, particularly in hotter regions, but full sun exposure will ensure the best growth and flowering.
TemperatureBlanket flowers prefer warm conditions and are hardy in a wide temperature range. They can survive temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as the mid-90s°F, but they grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It's important to protect them from harsh, freezing winter winds.
PruningPruning blanket flowers is essential for promoting bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce new blooms and prevents it from using energy to make seeds. Prune back the plants in late summer or fall after flowering has finished to tidy the appearance and prepare for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlanket Flower thrives in well-drained soil enriched with compost. The ideal soil mix should consist of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost with a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.
RepottingBlanket Flower, typically grown as a perennial, does not require frequent repotting. It should be divided or repotted every 2-3 years to refresh soil and manage spread.
Humidity & MistingBlanket Flower prefers a dry to average humidity environment, thriving in conditions that mimic its native, arid habitat, without the need for high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, good drainage, divide every 2-3 years.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleGaillardia × grandiflora 'Fanfare', commonly known as blanket flower, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the warm soil of late spring or early summer. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a small rosette of leaves that develops into a mature plant over several weeks to months, depending on conditions. During its growth, the plant develops a strong root system and foliage, followed by distinctive, trumpet-shaped, brightly colored flowers that blossom through summer and into fall. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow, continuing the cycle. As a perennial, the blanket flower will die back to the ground at the onset of winter, with its root system remaining dormant through the cold months. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the plant will regrow from its roots, repeating the flowering and seeding process annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Blanket Flower 'Fanfare' is by division, usually carried out in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart (30 to 45 centimeters) to allow for adequate airflow and growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Over time, these divisions will grow into mature plants that mirror the characteristics of the parent plant.
