Gaillardia Gaupa Tango

Gaillardia ‘Tango’ (often called Blanket Flower) is a blazing burst of summer colour, producing masses of rich orange-red, daisy-like flowers with warm golden tones that seem to glow in sunshine. Flowering for months on end, it’s a brilliant choice for anyone who wants maximum impact with minimum fuss—perfect for hot borders, gravel gardens, coastal plots and wildlife-friendly planting.

This variety is especially valued for its long flowering season and excellent drought tolerance once established. Gaillardia is also a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator planting schemes. The blooms sit on strong stems above neat, slightly hairy foliage, and the plant keeps going even in poorer soils where many perennials would sulk. Deadhead regularly and ‘Tango’ will reward you with fresh flowers right through summer into early autumn.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, while the soil is moist and workable.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Gaillardia loves warmth and copes well with poor, sandy or gravelly soils. Once established it is drought tolerant and ideal for hot borders, cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly planting, gravel gardens and coastal gardens.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to allow good air circulation and a bushy shape.
• Soil Prep: Avoid rich soil—Gaillardia flowers best in free-draining, lean conditions. If your soil is heavy, improve drainage with grit.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep watered while establishing, then Gaillardia becomes low-maintenance and drought tolerant, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming for longer.
• Trim back faded stems to encourage fresh growth and a tidy, compact plant.
• In colder areas or heavy soils, provide a dry winter mulch and avoid waterlogging.

Top Tip:
Gaillardia ‘Tango’ is a brilliant partner for Achillea, Salvia, Echinacea and ornamental grasses. For the longest flowering, pick off faded blooms little and often—it’s like giving the plant a gentle nudge to “keep dancing”.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
June - October (longer with deadheading)

Height:
16–20" (40–50cm)

Hardy Perennial
(Usually hardy in the UK in a well-drained spot; best winter performance in free-draining soil.)