Blanket flower (Gaillardia powellii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Blanket flower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Blanket flower
Gaillardia powellii, commonly known as red sunflower or blanket flower, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family, valued for its vibrant flowers with red petals and yellow tips that resemble a blanket. It's ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, and pots, adding an intense and long-lasting splash of color. Its drought resistance and attractiveness to pollinators make it perfect for low-maintenance and xeriscaping gardens.
Native range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for abundant and vigorous flowering. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant. Use well-draining soil, preferably sandy or with good organic matter content. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Blanket flower
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, no blooms.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture; move to full sun if not already.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or too much shade. It dislikes soggy soil and lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient if you correct the issue in time.