Gaillardia aristata aka Indian Blanket Flower

Taxonomy

Gaillardia aristata, also known as common blanketflower or common gaillardia, is a clump-forming perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family. This North American species is found across a wide range, from Yukon to Québec and as far south as California, Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut. While it may be naturalized in some areas, it is also found in scattered locations in Europe, Australia, and South America. Growing up to 75cm tall, it features lance-shaped, mid-green foliage. From mid-summer to early autumn, it produces large, daisy-like yellow flowers with jagged tips on upright stems. In addition, the Great Blanket Flower, a relative of Gaillardia aristata, is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within a foot of a window. Well-draining soil is ideal for this plant, and it typically does not require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Native to Subarctic America and the Northern United States, the Great Blanket Flower belongs to the Gaillardia genus.

Common names

Indian Blanket Flower, Common Gaillardia, Blanketflower, Gaillardia, Great Blanket Flower

How to care for Indian Blanket Flower

Difficulty

Caring for Indian Blanket Flower is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Indian Blanket Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Blanket Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Blanket Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Great Blanket Flower is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Indian Blanket Flower should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Indian Blanket Flower, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia