Should Gaillardia be cut back in the fall?
Gaillardias are unfortunately very short-lived without regular pruning and deadheading. Prune back the entire blanket flower plant by about 15 cm after flowering every year in September. This promotes winter hardiness as well as the formation of young buds for the next year. Fertilizer: Once established, fertilize Gaillardia with a 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month. Days to Maturity: Gaillardia begins blooming in the early summer and will continue to bloom through the late fall.Gaillardia flowers are perennial plants that bloom all summer, characterized by their vibrant and daisy-like flowers with red, orange, and yellow hues. They grow in a mounded, clumping habit, typically reaching heights of 12 to 18 inches.
What is the lifespan of a Gaillardia?
They tend to be short lived (average lifespan for Gaillardia x grandiflora is two years) not only because of this requirement for excellent drainage, but also because they bloom so prolifically that they burn themselves out quickly. Most gardeners in North America will find that most Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia), i. Goblin’, ‘Fanfare’, ‘Burgundy’, etc. This usually means a life-span of two to three years or less. The general description is that they flower themselves to death.
How do you care for Gaillardia grandiflora?
Gaillardia prefers full sun, well-drained soil and has low water needs once established. These are all good attributes which fit right into our low-water garden plans, but the main reason we chose the blanket flower was because it attracts a diverse population of bees. Attract Pollinators: The vibrant blooms of Gaillardia are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making them an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Gaillardia, which can be a major plus if these animals are common in your area.