Indian blanket - Gaillardia pulchella (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Indian blanket

Also known as: Rosering gaillardia, Beach blanket-flower

Indian blanket is a wildflower of meadows and prairies growing daisy-like flowers with a russet-colored central disk encircled by red rays with yellow tips. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are drawn to the nectar produced by this plant. Mass planting produces a spectacular combination of brilliant reds and yellows that looks breathtaking in landscapes.

Scientific classification

Species

Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

20 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Silver, Gray

Leaf Color

4 cm to 6 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Purple, Red, Orange, Pink, Blue, Brown

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Indian blanket

Attributes of Indian blanket

Growth Rate

Indian blanket's rapid growth rate primarily manifests from spring through fall. During these seasons, its quick pace is evident in the substantial increase in plant height, abundant leaf production, and intense flowering. Despite a mild growth rate deceleration in fall, indian blanket maintains notable development across the growing seasons, an impressive horticultural feature of this species.

Distribution of Indian blanket

Distribution Map

Indian blanket's native region spans from central and southern United States America to northern Mexico. Its distribution has been vast, spreading to Europe, Asia, Africa, parts of South America, and Australia. Indian blanket naturally resides in open places that have dry, sandy soil, for example, some sandy soil grasslands.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, sides of highways, garden, sandy plains, deserts, roads, vacant lots in urban areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Indian blanket is a vibrant addition to any garden that brings long-blooming beauty and color to the outdoor space. The showy flowers are jam-packed with nutritious nectar, attracting an array of beneficial pollinators. It is easy to grow and found in various landscapes, such as butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, and rock gardens. It also grows well in beds, borders, and containers.

Symbolism

Successful future, modesty, charm, joy

Interesting Facts

Indian blanket is a showy annual wildflower that grows wild in hot, dry spaces. It forms thick blankets of brightly colored flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The seed heads of indian blanket are food for goldfinches. To grow indian blanket, sow seeds directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed, or start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date.

Name Story

Indian blanket: The name comes from a legend about a brave Indian warrior who went to join the war. His wife began to weave blankets for her husband and she weaves red and orange lines on the blankets. Each of its patterns symbolizes her praying to the great gods to always protect her husband's safety. Once again, her daughter was lost in the mountain and she spent the night there. The next morning, she found herself covered with red and orange flowers like a blanket. Since then, these flowers have been called Indian blanket.

Firewheel: The legend has it that it used to be a yellow wildflower and women would decorate themselves with it. Children would play in the flower bushes. At that time, Cortez brought destruction and death to Aztecs. The bright yellow flowers were stained with blood and turned red. This is also the origin of the name firewheel.

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Quickly Identify Indian blanket

Flower heads with red and yellow concentric pattern, 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in diameter.

Achene fruit, brown to reddish-brown, 0.08 inches (2 mm) long, wind-dispersed.

Oblong, hirsute leaves, 1.5-6 inches (3.8-15.2 cm) in length, coarsely toothed.

Slender, hairy stem, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) thick, reaching heights up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Showy ray flowers with red and yellow tips, purple-brown disk flowers, blooming spring to frost.

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Care Guide for Indian blanket

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Indian blanket thrives in dry, prairie conditions, needing moderate watering of twice a week. Its resilience makes it suitable for outdoor cultivation, benefiting from natural rain cycles. This low-maintenance plant offers vibrant blooms, appealing to gardeners seeking beautiful yet hardy options.

Fertilize: Indian blanket benefits from high-phosphorus fertilizer to enhance blooms and root strength. Apply in early spring and every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, avoiding over-fertilization. In autumn, reduce applications for dormancy preparation, incorporating fertilizer into the soil and watering thoroughly afterward.

Pruning: Indian blanket is a perennial with vibrant, bi-colored blooms. Prune in early to late spring for bushier growth and pinch back spent flowers for continuous blooming. Avoid excessive foliage removal to maintain energy reserves. Pruning improves air circulation and reduces pest problems, promoting overall health.

Propagation: Indian blanket is propagated by sowing in Spring. Successful propagation is marked by sprouting shoots. For optimal growth, ensure adequate spacing and use well-draining soil.

Repotting: Indian blanket requires excellent drainage when planted in pots to thrive properly. Ensure that the potting medium allows for proper water flow, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.

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