Gaillardia grandiflora, more commonly known as Blanket Flowers, are one of the most popular summer-blooming plants among gardeners due to their showy blossoms and completely carefree growing habits. Flowers begin blooming in very early summer and continue through until fall, providing continuous color in beds, borders, and container gardens alike. These perennials require little care once established, are heat tolerant, and actually prefer to be grown in poorer soils. And you just can't beat those blossoms for creating impact in the garden. Butterflies really like them, too.
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun'
A 2005 All-American Selection and winner of the 2005 Fleuroselect Gold Medal, Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' produces masses of large, 3" diameter, fiery orange-red blooms tipped by a ring of rich flame yellow. From the early summer on, the showy banded flowers "blanket" this plant. They get their name from the manner in which they used to blanket North American prairies with their blooms. They can still be found in fields and along roadsides in the prairie region and into the Rockies.
Gaillardia grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' with Musa Maurellii and Secretia
For an eye-catching combination, try pairing Arizona Sun with Musa Maurellii Red Banana and Secretia 'Silver Carpet'. People are usually most familiar with Secretia 'Purple Heart', an unusual purple leafed plant that blooms with tiny lavender blossoms in late summer. We are very excited to offer this silver leafed version this season, with lightly fuzzy foliage reminiscent of Lamb's Ears. And the purple red of the Red Banana perfectly complements Arizona Sun's stunning blanket of blooms.
To learn more about Gaillardia grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' and all the gorgeous plants you see here, please stop by the Garden Center. Our friendly experts are always standing by with answers to all your gardening questions.