Is Gaillardia Aristata a perennial or annual?
A long-lived western native, Gaillardia aristata (Great Blanket Flower) is an erect perennial wildflower boasting daisy-like flower heads, 3 in. Most gaillardias are hardy perennials but there are a few annual varieties. Single-flowered types are attractive to pollinators. Gaillardias flower their socks off from summer to autumn on stout stems up to 75cm high, above basal clumps of grey-green leaves.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 Gaillardia?
Yes, most blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp. USDA Zones 3–10. However, their lifespan can be just 2–3 years, especially in humid climates or poorly draining soil. Regular deadheading and dividing can help them persist longer. The short-lived perennial blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) tends to reseed prolifically. There are several schools of thought about preparing blanket flower for winter. Some gardeners feel pruning blanket flower plants back and mulching is the way to go. Others do not prune, but deadhead, and do not mulch.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.
What is the best fertilizer for Gaillardia?
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 requires full sun and well-drained soil in order to prosper. Given too much shade, the plants tend to flop over. Though they will perform best in moist soils, they are highly drought tolerant. Do not enrich the soil with compost or other rich ingrediants when planting this perennial.