Common name: Blanket flower
Botanical name: Gaillardia pulchella Dazzler
Attributes: This long-blooming perennial from the American Plains and West is very heat- and drought-tolerant. This species was collected by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, although this particular cultivar is more compact and floriferous than those in the wild.
Bloom color: Red and yellow
Bloom time: From June through September
Culture: Plant gaillardias in full sun into well-drained soil. Water new plants until they are established; no additional water is required after that. Deadhead flowers to extend bloom and to keep the plants looking tidy. Because this is a short-lived perennial, allow some seeds to form so the plant can self-sow.
Landscaping tips: Plant gaillardias in masses for brilliant color from late spring to fall. Hot, dry slopes and borders are ideal locations. Good companion plants include coneflowers of all types, daisies, daylilies, perennial salvias, Pitcher's sage, Russian sage, verbenas, yarrows and yuccas.