Indian Blanket, Blanket Flower, Firewheel
Gaillardia pulchella, more commonly known as Blanket Flower or “Indian Blanket” is a common and well-loved wildflower. It’s native to the Southwest United States, but flourishes in such a wide variety of climates that it could be said to be naturalized throughout the U.S.
Blanket Flower Benefits
- Provides vibrant color in flower beds and borders
- Perennial in zones 7 and up
- Drought tolerant once established
- Reseeds itself for easy cultivation
- Excellent companion plant, as it is very attractive to pollinators
- High quality forage for a diverse list of bees
- Wild birds benefit from flowers left to seed
- No known toxicity to humans, pets, or wildlife
Blanket Flower Description
With rigid stems that grow woody as the plant matures, Blanket Flowers offers many soft, sage-colored leaves that are attractive in their own right.
The wheel-shaped flower heads look like pinwheels and feature yellow to brown centers, with red petals tipped in bright yellow.
While many think the sunflower is the most cheerful bloom in the garden, a case can be made for Blanket Flower. Especially considering that it’s considered a critical food source for pollinators by the Xerces Society.
While Gaillardia does have some traditional medicine usages, they’re beyond the limits of this informational page.
Tips for Germination
Sow Gaillardia from seed early in the spring if starting indoors. Blanket flower loves heat and may need a heat mat if temperatures are below 70°F average. You can also sow directly outdoors once your garden soil has warmed up.
Those in USDA zones 8, 9, 10, and 11 can also plant them in the fall.
Plant on moist soil and cover very lightly with fine compost. Pat down to improve contact with the soil.
Keep moist until the plant has developed true leaves, then water as needed. If starting in modules, transplant them into the garden once they are 3″ to 4″ tall and soil temperatures, have warmed up to a minimum of 70°F.
When transplanting, give each plant at least 10″ to 12″ of space to grow into.
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| Species Name: | Gaillardia pulchella |
| Common name(s): | Blanket flower |
| Defining Characteristics: | Brilliant flame-colored flowers in the shape of a pinwheel. |
| Temperature requirement: | Germinates at 65-70°F and is hardy down to 30°F |
| Watering frequency: | Water seeds and seedlings until plant is established. Afterward, water weekly as needed. |
| Lighting: | Full sunlight (6-8 hours a day) to bright shade |
| Soil type: | Well draining, sandy soil for best flower production. Blanket flower thrives in poor soil. |
| Growth rate: | Seed Germination: 14-21 days. |
| Height: | 18 to 24 inches |
| Origin: | North America and Mexico |
| USDA Hardiness Zone: | Perennial in Zones 6-11 |
| Toxicity Notes: | No known toxicity |
| Common Pests: | Powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot |
| Common Problems: | Overwatering |
| Perfect Potting Companions: | Plant near any flowering vegetables to invite pollinators |
| Additional Notes: | Fertilize lightly during flowering |