Perennial
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia aristata
Red-and-gold daisies that bloom relentlessly in blazing sun and poor soil.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 3–8
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 12–24 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Red-and-yellow daisies from early summer to frost
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Native to the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, west to the Pacific Northwest
Why we recommend it
A native with a nonstop parade of fiery daisies from early summer to frost, thriving in heat and lean soils while drawing constant bee and butterfly traffic.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertGreat BasinTexasSouthwest
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly for the first 6–8 weeks, then taper; established plants need no regular irrigation.
Pruning
Deadhead to extend bloom; cutting plants back by half in late summer helps this short-lived perennial persist.
Soil
Poor, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. Heavy, wet or fertile soil shortens its life.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Blanket Flower from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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