Plant Min Zone: 3a
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Poor, Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color: Yellow, Red, Orangish Red, Multi-Colored
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Light Green
Summer Foliage Color: Light Green
Fall Foliage Color: Light Green
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: Some
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium, High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low, Medium, High
Wind Tolerance: Medium, High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils
Height: 0.5' - 0.75'
Width: 1' - 1.5'
Growth Rate: Medium, Fast
Service Life: Short: 1-3 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Perennial to Ground in Early Winter After Hard Freezes: Some Winter Interest.
Plant Grouping Size: Small Grouping of 3-5, Medium Grouping of 5-10
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Top of Retaining Wall Locations, Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Long Blooming Season
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Stem/Crown Disease, Root Rot Disease
Plant Limitations: Environmental Stress / Decline, Needs Excellent Drainage
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun') is an improved variety with an intense covering of red and yellow flowers in the summer. Blooming usually starts during the heat of summer and continues until frost. Foliage is mint green and attractive. Blanket flower is native to dry sandy areas of the lower great plains including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Because of its desert heritage, it resents cold wet winters and needs well drained sandy, silty, or rocky soil. Short periods of extra water is tolerated in the heat of summer especially after blooming has started. It will typically grow in any soil and bloom like crazy during the summer making it very useful even as an annual if planted in the wrong soil type. In Kansas landscapes, it is commonly used as an annual or short-lived perennial where lots of color is needed in full sun. Self-seeding is possible in areas that are not mulched. Gaillardia combines nicely with any blue or purple flower including catmint, false indigo, plumbago.