Will Gaillardia spread?
No, blanket flower is not considered invasive. While some types readily self-seed, especially Gaillardia pulchella, they’re easy to manage and don’t aggressively spread or crowd out native species. They’re a great choice for low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly gardens. Blanket flowers are relatively pest and disease resistant. However, they can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or fungal infections, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering to minimize these issues.
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. Also known as blanket flower, Gaillardia pulchella is a sturdy perennial with bright flowers that bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. A recent discovery suggests that Gaillardia pulchella is not actually native to Florida (Weakley 2020¹), as previously thought.