12 Interesting Facts About Gaillardia

Introduction

Gaillardia, commonly known as blanket flowers, are colorful daisy-like flowers that are popular additions to gardens and flower arrangements. Gaillardia plants are known for their long blooming season, low maintenance, and ability to attract butterflies and bees.

This article will highlight 12 fascinating facts you may not know about these cheerful flowers. We’ll cover everything from their history and origins to growing requirements and uses in gardens. Read on to learn more about this versatile plant.

Facts About Gaillardia

1. Native to North America

Gaillardia plants originated in North America, primarily in the central and western regions of the United States as well as northwestern Mexico. Some species are native as far north as Manitoba, Canada. They are perennial prairie wildflowers that grow well in hot, sunny, and dry environments.

2. Named after a French Botanist

The plant was named in honor of Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French magistrate and botanist who was a patron of botany and horticulture. The botanist who first described the flowers in 1813, A.P. de Candolle, decided to recognize de Charentonneau by naming the new genus after him.

3. Symbolizes Positivity

In floriography, which assigns symbolic meanings to flowers, gaillardia is said to symbolize joy, optimism, positive spirits, and encouragement. Its cheery colors and hardy nature make it a fitting representation of perseverance and cheer.

4. Heat and Drought Resistant

Gaillardia develops deep taproots, which allow it to be quite drought tolerant once established. Its native habitat in hot, dry plains and prairies means mature plants can withstand desert-like heat as well. This makes gaillardia an ideal choice for low-water gardens.

5. Long Flowering Season

One of the reasons gaillardia is so popular in gardens is its exceptionally long bloom period. The flowering season begins in early summer and, with proper care such as deadheading spent flowers, will continue until the first frost. Gaillardia can bloom for up to 5 months in a single season.

6. Attracts Butterflies and Bees

Butterflies and bees flock to gaillardia’s nectar-rich, brightly colored flowers. It attracts a wide variety of pollinators including swallowtails, painted ladies, skippers, and many species of native bees. This makes it a great addition to any wildlife garden.

7. Uses as Cut Flowers

With their long vase life of up to 12 days when properly cared for, gaillardia flowers make excellent cut flowers. The bold colors work beautifully in both garden-style and modern flower arrangements. Gaillardia’s long blooming period means fresh-cut stems can be gathered for several months.

8. Variety of Colors and Patterns

While the most common gaillardia flower colors are shades of red, orange, yellow, and maroon, newer cultivars have expanded the color palette. Today there are varieties producing flowers in sunset-inspired tones, creams, peaches, and even near-white. Flowers may be single colored, tipped in a contrasting color, or feature dramatic red-ringed centers.

9. Categorized into Annual and Perennial Types

There are over two dozen known gaillardia species, which are grouped into annual and perennial subtypes.

• Annual gaillardia complete their entire lifecycle in one season. They bloom heavily but must be replanted each year.
• Perennial gaillardia return year after year, especially when grown in zones 3-10. They flower continuously once mature.

10. Low Maintenance Needs

Beyond drought tolerance, gaillardias are relatively fuss-free plants. They require little additional watering or fertilizing to thrive. Gaillardia care mainly involves removing spent blooms to encourage new flowers and cutting plants back by a third in fall. An annual spring mulching is also beneficial but not strictly necessary.

11. Uses as Food and Medicine

Gaillardia has a long history of medicinal uses in its native regions. Various indigenous peoples used parts of the plant for treatments from toothaches to detoxification. The tender young leaves and shoots are also edible and can be added to salads or cooked dishes, imparting a slightly spicy flavor.

12. Available as Seeds and Transplants

Gardeners can start gaillardia from seeds, though they can be slow and erratic to germinate. Most gardeners prefer to plant young starter plants, which are widely sold at garden centers each spring. Quick-blooming annual types may also be found as bedding plants. Both seeds and transplants will produce flowering plants the first year.

Conclusion

From their vibrant, varied colors to exceptional hardiness and longevity, it’s easy to see why gaillardias have become garden mainstays. As a tough, fuss-free plant that asks little while generously rewarding us with months of bright, cheery flowers, gaillardia remains a beloved warm-season favorite. This versatile wildflower is truly a joyful addition to any garden it graces.