Great blanket flower Pictures

Great Blanket Flower: A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

Flowers have a way of adding color and beauty to any garden or outdoor space. There are various types of flowers, each with its unique characteristics, colors, and shapes. One flower that stands out is the Great Blanket Flower. This bright and colorful flower is an excellent addition to any garden or outdoor space, and it is easy to grow. In this article, we will explore the Great Blanket Flower, its features, how to grow it, and how to care for it.

What is the Great Blanket Flower?

The Great Blanket Flower, also known as the Gaillardia aristata, is a native North American flower that belongs to the sunflower family. It is a perennial flower that is known for its bright and vivid colors, making it an excellent addition to any garden or outdoor space. The Great Blanket Flower typically grows up to 2 feet tall, with a spread of up to 2 feet. It has a clump-forming habit, with green, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 8 inches long. The flowers of the Great Blanket Flower are daisy-like, with yellow or reddish-brown centers and bright red, orange, or yellow petals. The flowers bloom from early summer to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.

How to Grow the Great Blanket Flower

The Great Blanket Flower is an easy-to-grow flower that requires minimal care. Here are the steps to follow when growing the Great Blanket Flower:

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The Great Blanket Flower thrives in full sun, so it is essential to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Before planting the Great Blanket Flower, it is crucial to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility and texture.

Step 3: Plant the Great Blanket Flower

Plant the Great Blanket Flower in the prepared soil, spacing the plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Make sure to plant the flower at the same depth it was growing in its container. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Step 4: Water the Great Blanket Flower

The Great Blanket Flower requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Step 5: Fertilize the Great Blanket Flower

Fertilize the Great Blanket Flower once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct dosage.

How to Care for the Great Blanket Flower

The Great Blanket Flower is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for the Great Blanket Flower:

Tip 1: Deadhead the Flowers

Deadheading the spent flowers of the Great Blanket Flower promotes more blooms and helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. To deadhead, simply pinch off the faded flowers using your fingers or a pair of scissors.

Tip 2: Mulch the Soil

Mulching the soil around the Great Blanket Flower helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around the plant, making sure to keep the mulch away from the stem.

Tip 3: Protect from Pests and Diseases

The Great Blanket Flower is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To protect the plant from pests and diseases, monitor it regularly and treat any issues promptly using organic methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Benefits of the Great Blanket Flower

The Great Blanket Flower offers several benefits, making it an excellent addition to any garden or outdoor space. Here are some of the benefits of the Great Blanket Flower:

Benefit 1: Attracts Pollinators

The bright and colorful flowers of the Great Blanket Flower attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator garden.

Benefit 2: Low Maintenance

The Great Blanket Flower is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions.

Benefit 3: Long Blooming Period

The Great Blanket Flower has a long blooming period, from early summer to fall, providing continuous color and beauty to any garden or outdoor space.

Benefit 4: Naturalizing

The Great Blanket Flower can naturalize, forming a beautiful and colorful groundcover over time.

Conclusion

The Great Blanket Flower is a vibrant and colorful flower that is easy to grow and care for. It offers several benefits, including attracting pollinators, being low maintenance, having a long blooming period, and naturalizing over time. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully grow and care for the Great Blanket Flower, adding color and beauty to your garden or outdoor space.