Blanket flower
Perennial makes for bright summer
GAILLARDIA ARIZONA SUN is a great summer-blooming perennial known for its brightly colored flowers in all variations of orange and yellow. Blooms can be 1 to 3 inches wide, and all species make good cut flowers. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, but are deer and rabbit resistant.
Gaillardia’s nickname, blanket flower, has at least two origins: its ability to blanket prairies and hillsides during the summer, and its bright colors and patterns that resemble those of Native American blankets.
This perennial plant is short-lived, but seed strains can self-seed. Heat and drought-tolerant, Gaillardia prefers good, but well drained soils and performs well when grown in containers or raised planter beds. Do not plant it in heavy clay soils.
Arizona Sun is a compact hybrid that grows only 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, making it a good plant for the front of the perennial border. While this free-flowering plant can be deadheaded to encourage more flowers, a good reason not to deadhead is that the summertime seed heads are a favorite of goldfinches.
If you are looking to diversify your perennial plant bed to be friendlier to bees, birds and butterflies, Gaillardia is a great option. You will be rewarded with bright and beautiful flowers this summer.
