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Indian Blanket

Gaillardia pulchella

Indian Blanket, also known as Firewheel, delivers exuberant color with remarkably little care. Its daisy-like flowers feature deep red centers and petals brushed with yellow at the tips, creating a warm, flame-like display above softly textured gray-green foliage. Blooming often begins in late spring and can continue well into fall, especially when spent flowers are removed or seasonal rainfall encourages fresh growth.

Native to prairies, plains, roadsides, and other open habitats, Indian Blanket thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil. It is usually grown as an annual or short-lived perennial, but it readily reseeds where conditions are favorable, allowing colorful colonies to return from year to year. Its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers draw native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, slopes, and water-wise borders.

Details

Height12” - 18”
Spread12"
Bloom SeasonMay – September
Soil Types
loamLoam
sandSand
gravelGravel
Soil Moisture
dryDry
mediumMedium
Sun Exposure
fullSunFull Sun

Range Map

Native
No current
record

Ecological Benefits

Maintenance Tips

  • Plant Indian Blanket in full sun and well-drained soil, avoiding rich fertilizer and frequent irrigation that can produce weak, floppy growth.
  • Deadhead periodically to encourage continued flowering, but leave some late-season seed heads standing so the plant can reseed and return in future years.

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