Blanketflower

Gaillardia grandiflora

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Gaillardia
Species:
Gaillardia grandiflora
USDA Symbol:
GAGR11

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
red, yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from crown after fire; benefits from periodic burning in prairie settings.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in poor soil conditions; avoid overly fertile soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at 70°F without pretreatment. Light improves germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society