Blanket Flower Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Kobold'
ABOUT
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Kobold', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is a vibrant perennial known for its striking flowers. The blooms are large, daisy-like with a bold, fiery blend of red, orange, and yellow hues, often banded in a layered fashion, which gives the flowers a flamboyant appearance. The petals are long, with rounded tips, sometimes exhibiting a fringed or serrated edge, radiating around a prominent central disc that is typically deep maroon to brownish. This disk is dome-shaped and packed with tiny, tubular flowers. The foliage of Blanket Flower is equally attractive, forming a low mound or a rosette of leaves. Its leaves are green, with narrow, lance-shaped, sometimes with lobed or wavy margins. The texture of the leaves varies, ranging from smooth to hairy, adding to the tactile interest of the plant. Overall, the Blanket Flower is recognized for its showy flowers, which have a long blooming season throughout summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Blanket Flower, Goblin.
Common names
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Kobold'.
ToxicityTo humans
Blanket flower is not known for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented adverse effects or symptoms of poisoning associated with ingesting any part of the blanket flower. However, as a general precaution, it is not advisable to consume parts of ornamental plants not designated as edible.
To pets
Blanket flower is not listed as a toxic plant to pets. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with pets ingesting any part of the blanket flower. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their consumption, as individual animals might have different sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Blanket Flower is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are vital for the pollination of many other plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Blanket Flower is typically easy to care for and does not require much upkeep, which is great for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Long Blooming Season: With a blooming season that extends from early summer through fall, the Blanket Flower provides long-lasting color in the garden.
- Vibrant Colors: The bright reds, oranges, and yellows of the Blanket Flower add a striking splash of color to any garden setting.
- Heat Tolerance: This plant thrives in hot conditions, making it a suitable choice for sunny and warm climates.
- Soil Adaptability: Blanket Flower can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Wildlife Habitat: Apart from pollinators, the plant also provides habitat and food for certain wildlife, such as birds that may feed on its seeds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gaillardia 'Kobold', commonly known as Blanket Flower, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from oranges to yellows for textiles.
- The petals of Blanket Flower can be pressed and used in botanical art or to decorate handmade papers, providing a natural and unique touch.
- Blanket Flower may be incorporated into edible flower dishes; its vibrant petals can be used as a garnish on salads and desserts, although one should always ensure the flowers haven't been treated with pesticides and are safe to consume.
- When dried, the petals of Blanket Flower can be included in potpourri mixes, adding color and a light fragrance to the blend.
- Gaillardia 'Kobold' can be used in companion planting to attract pollinators, thereby benefitting vegetable gardens and fruit-bearing plants.
- The strong stems and colorful blooms of Blanket Flower make it suitable for creating natural hedges or borders in landscape design, offering an alternative to traditional shrubs.
- Blanket Flower seeds can be collected and used in educational projects or workshops on plant life cycles, seed saving, and gardening.
- The unique, daisy-like formation of Blanket Flower blooms can be a visual study specimen for botanical illustration classes or photography.
- Gaillardia 'Kobold' can be utilized as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and reducing soil evaporation when planted densely in garden beds.
- Blanket Flower's drought-resistant properties can serve as a practical example in water conservation demonstrations or xeriscaping designs, promoting sustainable gardening practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBlanket Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBlanket Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vibrancy: Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Kobold', commonly known as Blanket Flower, is often associated with vibrant energy due to its bright and colorful flowers.
- Perseverance: The Blanket Flower is a hardy plant that can thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to persist and endure challenging situations.
- Optimism: With its sunny hues, the Blanket Flower symbolizes a positive outlook and the radiance of an optimistic attitude.
- Cheerfulness: The bright appearance of the plant can represent cheerfulness and joy, making it a symbol of happiness and elation.
WaterThe Blanket Flower should be watered deeply and the soil allowed to dry out between watering sessions. Established plants are drought-tolerant and typically require watering once every week to two weeks, depending on weather conditions. Provide approximately 1 inch of water at each session, making sure you water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. During exceptionally hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Less is often more with watering this plant, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightBlanket Flowers thrive in locations that receive full sun exposure for at least six hours daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area with unobstructed sunshine, such as an open garden bed or a southern-facing slope. Too little light can result in weak growth and fewer blooms, so avoid placing Blanket Flowers in shady areas.
TemperatureBlanket Flowers are hardy in a range of temperatures but they perform best in environments where the temperature stays between 60°F and 80°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, and handle heat well up to approximately 90°F. Blanket Flowers should be protected from extreme cold with proper mulching in areas where winter temperatures frequently dip below 0°F.
PruningPruning Blanket Flowers encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period. In early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4-6 inches to promote new growth. Pruning is best done right after the blooming cycle has ended or in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlanket Flower prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, peat, coarse sand, and compost is ideal for healthy growth.
RepottingBlanket Flower is generally not a plant that requires frequent repotting and is often treated as a perennial that can be left undisturbed for several years unless it outgrows its space.
Humidity & MistingBlanket Flower is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and prefers average to dry conditions; it does not require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Blanket Flower 'Kobold' (Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Kobold') begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, producing a rosette of lance-shaped leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, forming a clump with multiple stems and a bushy appearance. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to summer, the 'Kobold' produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers with red petals tipped with yellow, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. If undisturbed, the Blanket Flower 'Kobold' can live for several years, entering a perennial phase where it will continue to grow and bloom each season, with proper care and deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Blanket Flower, Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Kobold', is typically propagated through the division of clumps since it's a perennial plant. This is usually done in the spring or early fall, when the plant isn't blooming actively. 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 attached. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them about 6 to 12 inches apart (approximately 15 to 30 centimeters), and water them well to ensure successful establishment. This method maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and will produce blooming plants quicker than seed propagation.
