Gaillardia Gaupa Red

Gaillardia ‘Red’ (Blanket Flower) is a bold, sun-loving perennial that brings a punch of colour to the garden for months. It produces vibrant rich red, daisy-like flowers held on strong stems above neat, slightly fuzzy foliage, creating a lively, “always-on” display from early summer right into autumn. It’s brilliant for hot, sunny borders, gravel gardens, and containers, and it’s a real winner for pollinators—expect plenty of bees and butterflies stopping by for a snack.

Supplied in a 2 litre pot, ‘Red’ is a well-established plant that settles in quickly and keeps flowering with regular deadheading. It’s also a great cut flower, adding strong colour and a relaxed, meadowy feel to arrangements.

Fun fact: Gaillardia gets its common name “Blanket Flower” because wild species once carpeted open prairies in sheets of colour—like a bright patchwork blanket across the landscape

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, while the soil is moist and workable. Container-grown plants can be planted at most times of year, but avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Gaillardia thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil and is ideal for mixed borders, prairie-style planting, gravel gardens and patio containers. It dislikes heavy, wet ground, especially in winter.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, with the crown level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Avoid rich compost. On heavy soils, add grit to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Once established, Gaillardia is drought tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells. Container plants may need more regular watering in hot weather.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming for longer.
• Cut back in late autumn or early spring to tidy up and encourage fresh growth.
• Divide clumps every 2–3 years if flowering reduces.

Top Tip:
Gaillardia loves sun and free-draining soil—perfect for hot, dry spots where other plants might sulk!

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

June - September (often longer with deadheading)

Height:
12–20" (30–50cm) approx.

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial