'Mesa Yellow' gaillardia

In recent years several hybrid cultivars of blanket flowers (Gaillardia x grandflora) have been introduced. Some are annuals and others perennials. This North American prairie native is hardy in USDA zone 5 hardy. Gaillardias should thrive in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), but they don’t! Soggy winter clay soil is their Achilees’ heel.

Gaillardias grow in average well-drained soil under full sunlight. Two-year established gaillardias are heat and drought tolerant. Blanket flowers have a compact mounding habit. Perennial cultivars excel in garden beds or in containers.  

Flower colors range from reds, oranges, yellows, and multi-blends, with average bloom sizes between 3 to 4 inches across. Their long flowering period continues from early June through September. Deadheading increases flower numbers.

The cultivar ‘Fanfare’ produces flowers with a dark burgundy center surrounded by red fluted ray petals and flared yellow edges. ‘Fanfare’ is a vigorous grower at 16-24″ in height and 24-28″ in width.

The cultivar ‘Mesa Yellow’ grows 16-18 inches tall and 20-22 inches wide. Their bright yellow flowers form 2-3 weeks earlier than ‘Fanfare’.

Whether the perennial crown survives through the winter is determined by the soil’s drainage capacity. Seedlings from past year’s seed may come back. Plants are deer and rabbit proof, and flowers attract numerous butterflies.