Gaillardia, 'Goblin' (Gaillardia x grandiflora)

Light:

Sun - heat and drought tolerant

Flowering:

Mid to late summer - long blooming

Soil:

Light, well-drained

Height:

12 inches

Color:

Yellow with bronze and red marks

Hardiness:

Zone 3. Hardy, not long lived, but self sows.

Uses:

Front of border. mass plantings

Care:

Easy, colorful, and long blooming. Does well in poor, dry soil. Do not over water or fertilize.

Native:

No

Comments:

Gaillardias are wonderfully colorful plants with daisy-like flowers in shades ranging from yellow to maroon. They enjoy a long bloom period from midsummer right up until frost and are very drought tolerant. The Monarch strain reaches a height of 30 inches and comes in a wide range of colors. Burgundy is very similar in form but shades of maroon and burgundy predominate. Both make fine cut flowers. Goblin is a dwarf form reaching 8 to 12 inches. It is an excellent front of the border plant for dry sunny locations. Gaillardias are very attractive in mass and are a butterfly favorite.

Gaillardias will self sow readily. Though they do not always come true, volunteer plants are often very interesting and come in a wide range of colors. New plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Divide established plants every few years to keep them vigorous.