How to Grow Blanket Flower Burgundy
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Blanket Flower Burgundy
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Burgundy'
flowerBlanket Flower Burgundy is a vibrant perennial cultivar known for its deep wine-red flowers with golden-yellow tips, creating a striking two-tone effect. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant produces abundant blooms throughout the summer and attracts pollinators with its cheerful daisy-like flowers. It's an excellent choice for xeriscape gardens, borders, and cottage gardens.
When should you plant Blanket Flower Burgundy in your zone?
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Example Blanket Flower Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blanket Flower Burgundy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Blanket Flower Burgundy blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blanket Flower Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9, performing best in zones 3-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with two cotyledon leaves, developing true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops rosette of deep-green, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Growth is bushy and compact.
Water moderately as roots establish. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired. No fertilizer needed if soil is decent.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at branch tips, appearing as small, rounded structures before opening.
Continue regular watering. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly or use slow-release granules. Ensure full sun exposure.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June through September)Bold burgundy and golden-yellow daisy-like flowers open on long stems. Continuous blooms occur with deadheading.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Water during dry spells. No fertilizer needed; can cause excessive foliage at expense of flowers.
Seed Maturation & Dormancy
October through MarchIf not deadheaded, flowers fade to brown seed heads. Foliage may decline in late fall; plant goes dormant over winter.
Leave seed heads for wildlife and self-seeding, or remove for neatness. Cut back plant to 3-4 inches in late fall/early winter. Minimal water needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to knock off mites; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove affected plants showing yellowing/stunting. Control with neem oil or row covers on young plants.
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Improve air circulation. Spray with sulfur or fungicide if needed. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryGaillardia petals are edible with a slightly spicy flavor and can be used to garnish salads and desserts, adding color and a unique peppery taste. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNative Americans traditionally used Gaillardia for treating wounds and skin irritations due to its anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Cut & Dried Flowers
CraftBlanket Flower is excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements, maintaining its vibrant color when dried and lasting for extended displays. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the blooming season, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations and beneficial insects. [source]
Xeriscape & Low-Maintenance Landscaping
HouseholdExtremely drought-tolerant once established, Blanket Flower Burgundy is ideal for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and locations with poor soil. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for bouquets in early morning when fully open. Pinch off spent blooms throughout summer to encourage continuous flowering. For seed saving, allow some flowers to mature and dry on the plant, then collect brown seed heads in fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blanket Flower gets its common name from the Native American blankets with similar bold color patterns—the burgundy and gold combination resembles traditional woven designs.
- 🌱 Gaillardia is native to the Americas and was named after Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French botanist and patron of botany.
- 🌱 These flowers are so drought-tolerant that they thrive in poor, sandy, or gravelly soil where most plants struggle, making them perfect for difficult garden spots.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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