Gaillardia aristata Arizona Sun
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Blanket Flower

'Arizona Sun' has large, boldly coloured, fiery-red flowers edged with a ring of vivid yellow, on a compact, heat and drought tolerant plant. Butterflies are highly attracted to its bright colours. Since these plants bloom from early summer into fall, they will provide continuous colour in containers and will keep those vases full of fresh blanket flower bouquets all season long. Spent flower heads attract goldfinches.  A 2005 All-American Selection and winner of the 2005 Fleuroselect Gold Medal. 

  • Height: 20-25 cm (8-10 in)
  • Spread: 30 cm (30 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-10
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: summer through fall
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: red and yellow
  • Critter Resistance: deer

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, is an easy-to-grow, short-lived perennial. It will spread slowly from seed where happy to "blanket" an area. It prefers lean, well drained soil. Do not add a lot of compost or fertilize.