Blanket flower Gaillardia x grandiflora
Blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Garden hybrid of North American Gaillardia species (central and western United States). It grows 30–70 cm (12–28 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Blanket flower in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Blanket flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–70 cm (12–28 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid of North American Gaillardia species (central and western United States) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Blanket flower toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: sap, leaves
Not listed as toxic to pets by ASPCA; like other Asteraceae it can cause skin irritation in sensitive people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Blanket flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Blanket flower in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Denver Botanic Gardens (24 plants)
Questions about Blanket flower
- How far apart should I plant Blanket flower?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Blanket flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Blanket flower need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Blanket flower?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Blanket flower flower?
- From about June for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Blanket flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people mildly toxic. Not listed as toxic to pets by ASPCA; like other Asteraceae it can cause skin irritation in sensitive people.
- What grows well with Blanket flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Blanket flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Short-lived perennial (2 to 4 years) that dislikes wet winter soil; reseeds modestly.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus