Gaillardia arizona sun also known as the blanket flower, is a beautiful and carefree flower that brightens up any garden. With its vibrant red and yellow bicolored blooms this gaillardia variety provides non-stop color from early summer through fall.
An Overview of Gaillardia Arizona Sun
Gaillardia arizona sun is a cultivar of gaillardia grandiflora that was introduced by Walter’s Gardens Inc, in 2005 This gaillardia variety is known for its uniform growth habit and profuse flowering The flowers measure about 3 inches across and feature mahogany-red petals with bright yellow edges,
This blanket flower was an All-America Selections Winner in 2005 and also received a Fleuroselect Gold Medal the same year. It’s proven to be one of the best gaillardia cultivars thanks to its prolific blooms and better uniformity compared to older varieties.
In terms of size, gaillardia arizona sun reaches about 10-12 inches tall and spreads 12-24 inches wide. It has an upright mounded form and fine-textured grayish green foliage.
Key Features
- Vibrant red and yellow bicolored blooms from early summer to fall
- Uniform growth habit and prolific flowering
- Drought tolerant and cold hardy
- Attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Works well in borders, beds, and containers
Growing Conditions for Gaillardia Arizona Sun
One of the best things about gaillardia arizona sun is its adaptability. This tough and rugged blanket flower thrives in a wide range of climates and growing conditions. Here are its basic needs:
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Average to poor, well-draining soil
Zone: 3-10
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Gaillardia performs best in full sun and hot, dry conditions. It can tolerate partial shade but may become floppy and produce fewer blooms. Well-draining soil is essential – heavy clay soil is likely to be fatal for the plant.
These flowers are drought champions that require little watering or irrigation once their root system is established. In fact, too much moisture can cause issues like root rot.
Blanket flowers like infertile soil and you should avoid fertilizing or amend the soil with organic matter. Nutrient-poor soils will encourage more prolific flowering.
One of the great advantages of gaillardia arizona sun is its winter hardiness down to zone 3. It can withstand summer heat and winter cold with aplomb.
How to Plant Gaillardia Arizona Sun
You can start gaillardia arizona sun from seed or buy young starter plants. Seeds can be directly sown in prepared garden beds after all danger of frost has passed. Or for a head start, sow them indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date.
If planting starter plants, set them out in the garden when nighttime temperatures remain above 50-60°F. Space the plants about 12 inches apart.
Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil and removing any weeds. Gaillardias like poor soil, so don’t amend with compost or fertilizer which can cause lanky growth and fewer blooms. Simply sprinkle some seeds over the soil surface and lightly cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep the seedbed continuously moist until germination.
For transplants, dig holes the same depth as the root ball and place them at the same level they were growing in the pot. Backfill the hole, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly after planting.
Growing and Caring for Gaillardia Arizona Sun
Blanket flowers are one of the easiest perennials to grow. They thrive with minimal care and maintenance. Here are some tips:
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Water transplants regularly until established, then reduce frequency. Mature plants are very drought tolerant.
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Avoid fertilizing as gaillardias prefer poor soils. Excess nutrients can cause floppy growth.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Cutting plants back after first flush of blooms may promote reblooming.
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Divide every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor. Gaillardias may be short-lived.
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Mulch plants in winter in cold climates for added insulation if needed.
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Remove any diseased foliage immediately and avoid overhead watering. Good drainage and air flow help prevent diseases like powdery mildew.
Where to Use Gaillardia Arizona Sun
With its vibrant colors and non-stop blooms, gaillardia arizona sun is a great choice for gardens, borders, beds, and containers. It pairs excellently with grasses, lavenders, coneflowers, and other prairie plants. Some ideas:
- Use in perennial or mixed borders
- Include in cottage gardens, prairie gardens, or rock gardens
- Plant in landscape beds and flower gardens
- Add to cutting gardens for summer bouquets
- Grow in containers on patios, decks, and porches
Gaillardia provides color through the hot summer months when many other flowers fade. It helps bridge the gap between spring and fall bloomers. Plant en masse for a big splash of color.
Potential Problems With Gaillardia Arizona Sun
Gaillardia is relatively trouble-free, but here are some potential problems to look out for:
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Powdery mildew – Avoid wetting foliage, allow for good air circulation and cleanup diseased leaves immediately.
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Aster yellows – Destroy and dispose of infected plants as there is no cure for this disease. Prevent by controlling leafhoppers that spread the disease.
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Floppy growth – Ensure adequate sunlight. Avoid over-fertilization and overwatering which can cause lanky growth.
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Few blooms – Hot sun and poor soil will produce the most flowers. Too much fertilizer or shade reduces flowering.
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Root rot – Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
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Pests like spider mites and aphids – Hose off pests, use insecticidal soap sprays or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Enjoy the Vibrancy and Versatility of Gaillardia Arizona Sun
With its sunset-colored blooms and carefree growth habit, it’s easy to see why gaillardia arizona sun has become a garden favorite. This tough, drought-tolerant blanket flower pumps out flowers all season long to create a beautiful and vivid display. Use it to add vibrant color and texture to beds, borders, cutting gardens or containers. Gaillardia is versatile, adaptable, and easy to grow – a perfect choice for gardens across a wide climate range.
Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ & Celebration (Blanket Flower)//BOLD, Colorful NATIVE Perennial Varieties
FAQ
Does Arizona sun blanket flower spread?
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 15 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart.
Does Gaillardia come back every year?
Is Gaillardia, Arizona a perennial?
Gaillardia aristata ‘Arizona Sun’ certainly lives up to its name by producing a continuous display of sizeable flower heads in blazing shades of red, orange and yellow. This hardy perennial requires little maintenance and performs well even on poor, dry soils.
What do I do with Gaillardia in winter?
Cutting the plants back to 6 inches in late summer may increase the chance of winter survival. Plants benefit from mulching (or snow cover) in very cold winters but most will survive to -20° F without crown protection (as long as drainage is good).
What is a Gaillardia Arizona Sun blanket?
Gaillardia arizona sun blanket flowers add striking color and texture to both gardens and landscapes. Here are some ideal uses for these rugged perennials: Plant in perennial borders, cutting gardens, and cottage gardens. The bold colors contrast beautifully with other flowering plants.
Where should I plant Gaillardia Arizona Sun blanket flowers?
You can also plant in fall in zones 7-9 for winter flowering. Place these perennials near sidewalks, patios, or along borders where their vibrant flowers can be admired up close. Gaillardia arizona sun blanket flowers are quite low maintenance once established but do require attention to certain care needs:
How do you care for Gaillardia Arizona Sun blanket flowers?
Gaillardia arizona sun blanket flowers are quite low maintenance once established but do require attention to certain care needs: Watering: Drought tolerant but flowers best with regular water, about 1-2 inches per week. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Soil: Prefers poor to average garden soil that drains well.
What is a Gaillardia blanket flower?
The common name of Gaillardia refers to the resemblance to brightly patterned Native American blankets – hence Blanket Flower. Extremely drought and heat tolerant, once established. From the early summer on, very showy banded flowers “blanket” this plant. The ends of the petals have a torn, ruffled appearance.
Does Gaillardia need a lot of Sun?
Gaillardia requires full sun and well-drained soil in order to prosper. Given too much shade, the plants tend to flop over. Though they will perform best in moist soils, they are highly drought tolerant. Do not enrich the soil with compost or other rich ingrediants when planting this perennial.
Is Gaillardia pulchella an annual?
Gaillardia pulchella ‘Double Sunset’ is an antique variety with showy double petals. It is an annual but commonly self-seeds (if allowed to). ‘Golden Beauty’ is a unique Gaillardia hybrid, a taller form and fully double flowers that look like golden-yellow pom-poms. It’s an annual.