Blanketower (Gaillardia pulchella), also
known as Firewheel and Indian blanket,
is one of two Gaillardia species native to
Florida, the other species being Lanceleaf
blanketower (G. aestivalis). Blanketower
occurs throughout Florida in coastal areas
and disturbed sites.
Description
In Florida, Blanketower is an annual or
short-lived perennial. Its linear- to lanceshaped
leaves are quite hairy, which
makes the plant appear grayish-green.
Under natural conditions, it is from 12
to 18 inches tall and about as wide. In
gardens, it can easily spread to twice that.
Its brightly colored owers, long blooming
season and drought tolerance make this
a popular garden plant. Flower petals
typically are bi-colored with an inner red
band surrounded by an outer yellow
band. The relative amounts of red and
yellow can vary considerably. Petals can
be entirely red or yellow, have an inner
red band surrounded by a white band,
or, on rare occasions, be entirely white.
Sometimes the petals even are tubular
— narrow at the base and aring out like
trumpets.
Peak owering is from mid-spring to
late summer, with diminished owering
until frost; in Central and South Florida,
Blanketower can bloom at any time of the
year.
Planting
Plantings can be established by seed or
plants. Use it in landscape sites where it
can be allowed to spread, as it can be a
very aggressive re-seeder, especially in
loamy soils.To ensure seed set, several to
many plants should be in close proximity
so bees and other insect pollinators can
cross-pollinate owers.
Seeds
Blanketower seeds are commercially
available. Sow in early to mid-fall on an
untilled seed bed.
Plants
Plants often are sold in 4-inch, quart and
gallon containers. For a dense bed, space
plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, on
center.
Care
Established plants are drought tolerant, so
supplemental watering might be needed
only during extended dry periods. When
irrigating, apply 13- to 12-inch of water.
In late fall, plants that have not died can
be cut back to 6 to 8 inches of stubble.
No cold protection is needed during
winter; even the tiniest seedlings tolerate
frost and freezes into the low 20s.
Blanketower is relatively pest- and
disease-free. When viewing leaves
closely, you may notice tiny white
speckles, which horticulturists refer to as
stippling. Whatever
the cause, stippling
does not appear to
be detrimental to a
plant’s overall health.
Site conditions
Blanketower is salt tolerant and grows
best in full sun in dry to slightly dry, welldrained
soil. In shadier sites, it gets very
leggy and can even creep into adjacent
shrubs. Once established, Blanketower
is very tolerant of hot, dry conditions,
especially in very sandy soils. Drought
tolerance may be diminished in heavier
soils.
Hardiness zones
Blanketower is best suited for zones
8a–11.
Blanketower is an excellent nectar
plant for butteries and pollinators.
Its “tough as nails” reputation is
well deserved. If you have an open,
sandy, sunny spot where nothing
grows, try Blanketower.
12–18 in
Host, nectar
arieties sold at many
large retail outlets and
garden centers, and by
CAUTION
national wildower seed
companies, often are
non-native Gaillardia
aristata or one of the many varieties of
G. pulchella or Gaillardia x grandiora
(a hybrid of G. pulchella and G.
aristata). Avoid planting these in the
vicinity of native ecotype G. pulchella,
as they may hybridize.
Photo by Kari Ruder
Photo by Jeff Norcini
Blanketower
Photo by Eleanor Dietrich