Gaillardia Aristata 'Arizona Sun' Blanket Flower
Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun' is a beautiful and hardy perennial blanket flower that produces masses of large, fiery orange-red flowers with a golden-yellow ring at their tips. It is a relatively new cultivar, having been introduced in 2005, but it has quickly become a favorite among gardeners for its long blooming season, easy care, and ability to attract bees and butterflies.
'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers grow to be 18-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. They have sturdy stems and well-branched foliage, making them ideal for use in borders and beds. 'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers bloom from early summer to fall, and the dead flower heads remain upright and attractive well into the winter.
'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers are easy to grow and require very little care. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of drought and heat, but they will appreciate regular watering during hot, dry weather. 'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers are also deer-resistant and relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
To grow 'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers, simply plant the seeds or seedlings in the spring. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. 'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers are overwinter hardy in zones 4-9.
Here are some additional tips for growing 'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers:
- Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide the plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
- Cut back the plants to the ground in the fall after the first frost.
'Arizona Sun' blanket flowers are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. They provide long-lasting blooms, attract pollinators, and are relatively low-maintenance.
Note: The plant is shipped in its pot, firmly secured with several layers of clear tape, thereby avoiding any shuffling and moving during transit. The plant reaches you with minimal damage- very safe and secure. We have been shipping plants like this for several years (plant are sometimes shipped in smaller pots for safety and ease of shipping). Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and will lose most of their leaves - looking dead and dry - very normal. They will flush out in spring.
We cannot send ship some plants and some sizes to California due to restrictions placed by department of agriculture.
