How to Grow Blanket Flower Sundance

Blanket Flower Sundance

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Sundance'

flower

Blanket Flower Sundance is a compact, vibrant perennial cultivar known for its brilliant red and yellow bicolor blooms that resemble miniature blankets. This heat and drought-tolerant variety produces continuous flowers from early summer through fall with minimal maintenance. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours preferred for maximum blooming

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Water: Low water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extreme heat or extended dry periods.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant to first flowers

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil level; do not bury crown. Direct sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for soil structure (minimal organic matter needed)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny green seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate

Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.

Vegetative Establishment

3-4 weeks

Plant develops a rosette of narrow, lance-shaped green leaves and establishes a strong root system

Water moderately as plant grows. Avoid overwatering which promotes disease. Pinch back growing tips for bushier growth if desired. Keep weed-free.

Budding & Early Bloom

4-6 weeks

Flower buds form at stem tips; first blooms appear with characteristic red centers and yellow-tipped petals

Provide full sun exposure. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Water during extreme heat. No fertilizer needed if soil is decent.

Peak Flowering

8-12 weeks

Plant produces abundant red and gold bicolor daisy-like flowers continuously across the canopy

Deadhead regularly to maintain flowering. Reduce watering as plant is now drought-tolerant. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Enjoy continuous color.

Late Season & Senescence

4-8 weeks

Flowering gradually slows in late fall; plants begin to decline as temperatures drop

Leave some spent flowers for seeds if desired (self-seeds readily). Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. In colder zones, mulch lightly to protect crown over winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Russian Sage Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Salvia Artemisia Catmint Zinnias Sedum

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistent moisture Heavy clay soil plants Shade-preferring plants

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting, use strong water spray to dislodge, or apply neem oil if infestation is severe. Typically appears in hot, dry conditions.
Remove affected leaves, use row covers on young plants, apply insecticidal soap if needed. Generally minor issue.
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if needed. Rare in well-draining sites.

Uses

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Blanket Flower produces long-lasting cut flowers ideal for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements. The vibrant red and yellow blooms add cheerful color to vases and arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

The bright daisy-like flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it excellent for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. It's particularly popular with monarchs and swallowtail butterflies. [source]

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Blanket Flower petals are edible and mildly bitter with a spicy note. They can be used as garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding visual appeal and subtle flavor. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Gaillardia has a history in traditional Native American medicine and folk herbalism for digestive and anti-inflammatory purposes, though modern scientific evidence is limited. The plant contains various bioactive compounds. [source]

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Dried Flowers & Crafts

Craft

Blanket Flower dries beautifully while retaining color and can be used in dried arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and decorative wreaths. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Blanket Flower is ornamental and grown for blooms rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flowers regularly by pinching off below the flower head to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut flower stems for bouquets in early morning when fully open. Allow some flowers to go to seed in fall if you want self-seeding for next year.

Fun Facts

🌱 Blanket Flower gets its common name from the resemblance of its flower pattern to a colorful Native American blanket, with red centers 'radiating' into yellow petal tips.
🌱 Gaillardia is native to the Americas and was used by indigenous peoples for centuries before becoming a beloved garden plant worldwide.
🌱 This variety is extremely heat and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens—it actually thrives with neglect and poor soil.

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