The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Arizona Sun’) is a standout. It’s a compact, drought-tolerant perennial with bright red and yellow flowers. This flower was chosen as a 2005 All-America Selections Winner for its long-lasting blooms.
It blooms from early summer to fall. It loves full sun and well-draining soil. This makes it perfect for xeriscaping and easy-to-care-for gardens. It’s a favorite among desert wildflowers.
Key Takeaways
- Compact, drought-tolerant perennial with vibrant red and yellow blooms
- 2005 All-America Selections Winner for its long blooming period
- Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, ideal for xeriscaping
- Excellent low-maintenance option for desert and drought-prone gardens
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators with its native characteristics
Introduction to Arizona Sun Blanket Flower
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a stunning native plant of the American Southwest. It loves hot, dry weather. Its 3- to 4-inch flowers have a red center and golden-yellow petals, drawing in butterflies and other pollinators.
Origin and Background
This flower is a mix of Gaillardia pulchella and Gaillardia aristata, both from North America. It was made to be tough and beautiful, perfect for the desert Southwest.
Plant Characteristics
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower grows 8-10 inches tall and spreads 12-15 inches wide. Its flowers are eye-catching, with a red center and yellow petals. It blooms for months, from early summer to mid-fall.
Native Habitat
Even though it’s a hybrid, the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower loves the hot, dry Southwest. Its parents, Gaillardia pulchella and Gaillardia aristata, are from North America, making it a great choice for the desert.
“The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a true testament to the resilience and beauty of native plants, captivating gardeners and pollinators alike with its vibrant, heat-loving blooms.”
Basic Growing Requirements
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a dream for easy gardening. It loves full sun and does well in well-draining soil. It’s great for those who want a plant that’s easy to care for.
It’s perfect for both new and experienced gardeners. It grows well in USDA zones 2a to 10. This means it can handle many different climates. Once it’s settled, it needs little care, preferring to be left alone.
| Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, poor |
| Hardiness Zones | 2a to 10 |
| Watering Needs | Infrequent, drought-tolerant |
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is perfect for low-maintenance gardening. It can handle extreme temperatures well. It’s a reliable choice for adding color to your garden without much fuss.
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower Plant: Essential Features
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a vibrant and compact perennial. It has a long blooming season. Its stunning flowers, with vibrant yellow petals, can reach up to 4 inches in diameter. This makes it a true showstopper in the garden.
Height and Spread
This hardy plant typically reaches a height of around one foot tall. The flowers extend up to 12 inches. Its compact growth allows it to spread between 12 to 15 inches wide. This creates a beautiful, well-rounded appearance.
Bloom Time and Color
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a long-blooming perennial. Its vibrant red flowers with golden yellow tips appear as early as late spring. They continue to bloom through the fall. This extended bloom period makes it a valuable addition to any garden, providing a burst of color for months on end.
Growth Rate
One of the standout features of the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is its fast growth rate. The plant can start blooming as early as 12 to 15 weeks after sowing. This allows gardeners to enjoy its beauty in the first year of planting. Its rapid growth habit, combined with its exceptional cold, heat, and drought tolerance, makes it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for the landscape.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 1 foot tall |
| Bloom Size | Up to 4 inches in diameter |
| Bloom Season | Late Spring to Late Fall |
| Resistance | Cold Hardy, Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Humidity Tolerant, Pest Resistant |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 3 – 10 |
“The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a true garden gem, offering vibrant color and a long-blooming season that’s hard to beat.”
Sunlight and Temperature Requirements
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower loves the sun and thrives in full sun exposure. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom fully. While it can handle some shade, less sun means fewer flowers and taller plants.
This flower is known for its temperature tolerance. It grows well in USDA Zones 3 to 10. It handles hot summers and occasional cold without a problem. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for many gardens.
“The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a true sun-worshipper, reveling in the warmth and radiance of the outdoors.”
To get the most out of this flower, place it in a sunny spot in your garden. This ensures it gets the full sun exposure it needs. With the right sunlight and temperature, your garden will be filled with colorful blooms for a long time.
Soil and Water Needs
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a drought-tolerant perennial that loves well-draining soil. It can even handle poor soil conditions. This plant doesn’t need any special soil and can grow in different pH levels. It’s perfect for gardeners with tough growing spots.
Soil Type Preferences
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower likes dry to average moisture levels and well-draining soil. It can’t live in heavy, clay-based soils that hold too much water. Its ability to grow in poor soil conditions makes it ideal for those with less-than-ideal soil.
Watering Schedule
When first planted, the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower needs regular watering. But, once it’s settled, it becomes very drought-tolerant. It only needs water during really dry times, making it easy for gardeners who are always on the go.
Drainage Requirements
Good drainage is key for the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower to do well. It can’t handle standing water or bad drainage, as it can cause root rot. Gardeners should make sure the soil drains well to give this hardy perennial the best chance to thrive.
“The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a true workhorse in the garden, thriving in challenging soil conditions and requiring minimal maintenance once established.”
Planting and Propagation Methods
Arizona Sun Blanket Flower can be grown from seed sowing and division. Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days at 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
Mature plants can be divided every 2-3 years in spring or fall. This reinvigorates growth. When dividing, space sections 12-18 inches apart for growth and airflow. Cuttings root in 4-6 weeks, with roots reaching 1-2 inches before transplanting.
For transplanting, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Space plants 12 inches apart. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for best germination. Plant seeds in early spring or late fall for winter sowing.
| Propagation Method | Timing | Spacing | Soil Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed Sowing | Spring or Fall | 12 inches apart | pH 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Division | Spring or Fall | 12-18 inches apart | Well-draining |
| Transplanting | Spring | 12 inches apart | Well-draining, sunny location |
Gaillardia, also known as blanket flower, is a common perennial flower native to North America, preferred by gardeners who opt for planting native species.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are key for your Arizona Sun Blanket Flower plants to thrive. Let’s look at the important steps to keep your plants healthy all year.
Spring Care
When spring arrives, start by removing any damaged leaves from your plants. This helps them grow new, healthy leaves. If your plants need it, divide them to make them fuller and bushier.
Summer Maintenance
In summer, make sure to deadhead any wilted flowers. This helps your plants keep blooming. If your plants get too tall, cut them back in late summer to keep them neat.
Fall Preparation
As fall comes, get your plants ready for the cold. In cold areas, cover the base of your plants with mulch. This protects the roots from freezing. It’s a simple way to help your plants make it through winter and bloom again in spring.
By following these care tips, your Arizona Sun Blanket Flowers will bloom beautifully for years. For more tips on growing outdoor succulents, check out the complete care guide.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is mostly pest-resistant. But, it can get aster yellows, a disease spread by leaf-hoppers and aphids. Look out for stunted growth and green flowers, signs of infection.
If you see these signs, remove and destroy the plants quickly. This stops the disease from spreading. Using natural predators like ladybugs or insecticidal soap can control aphids and leaf-hoppers.
Even though the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is easy to care for, it might get powdery mildew or fungal leaf spot. This happens if it doesn’t get enough sunlight or grows in wet conditions. Make sure it gets enough sunlight and has well-draining soil to avoid these problems.
In summary, the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower is a hardy, pest-resistant plant. It’s great for gardeners who want vibrant, long-lasting flowers. With the right care and attention to pests and diseases, it will thrive and beautify your garden.
