Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Annuals

Blanket Flower, Gaillardia pulchella

Blanket Flower, Gaillardia pulchella, September 19, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Blanket Flower, Gaillardia pulchella	Blanket Flower, Gaillardia pulchella
Blanket Flower Leaves	Blanket Flower Blossom

Blanket Flower Gaillardia pulchella, Aster or Sunflower Family also known as the Composite Family: ( Compositae ), Blanket Flower: Also called; Firewheel, Indian Blanket. Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) is a short-lived perennial or annual with brilliant, daisy - like flowers. The large centers of the flowers are rose-purple and the dense, petals are yellow, orange, crimson or even copper scarlet. The flowers appear in summer and are 2 - 3 inches across and are upon 18 - 36 inch light green stems. Indian blanket grows into 12 - 24 inch high mounds with a spread of about 12 inches. Indian blanket likes hot, sunny areas, good drainage, and is drought tolerant. Wet soil will cause root rot in winter. It is a colorful annual popular with bees and birds. Height: Up To 1 to 2 feet tall. Flowers: Two - 2 inch, yellow, orange, crimson or copper scarlet flower heads appear at the ends of 18 - 36 inch light green stems. Flowers are composed of 8 to 10 rays surrounding the copper scarlet disk. Blooming Time: August to November. Leaves: Oblong to oblanceolate gray-green leaves up to 3 inches long. Found: Native to North America including Virginia, Florida and westward into Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, extending south into Mexico. Elevation: 0 - 9,000 Feet. Habitat: Sandy desert soils, hot, sunny areas, good drainage, to 9,000 feet'. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken September 19, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Great xeriscape plant.