Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun'

Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun': Fiery Petals Dipped in Gold

Orange-red petals fading out to bright yellow tips, like somebody painted a desert sunset on every single one. 'Arizona Sun' takes heat, drought and road salt like it's on vacation. THE HOTTER IT GETS, THE HAPPIER IT IS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun'
• Common Name: Blanket Flower
• Series: Arizona series
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
• Flowers: Large, about 8 cm (3 in) across, orange-red with a ring of bright yellow at the tips and a dark centre
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Green, lance-shaped leaves in a low, compact mound
• Features: Heat and salt tolerant

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a sunny bed, fill pockets in a rock garden, line a hot driveway or sidewalk, or brighten containers. It is a natural fit for pollinator gardens, and the flowers suit short arrangements.

Companion Plants: Give 'Arizona Sun' a sunny, dry bed with white globes, pearly everlasting and red coreopsis. Coreopsis UpTick™ Red adds red daisies at 30 to 36 cm from June to September. Anaphalis margaritacea 'New Snow' brings papery white flowers at 45 to 60 cm from July to September. Allium 'Mount Everest' opens white globes at 90 to 120 cm in May and June. Sporobolus heterolepis adds a fine, glossy mound at 60 to 90 cm with fragrant airy flowers.

Plant Care: Give it full sun and well-drained, average to poor soil. Skip the compost and fertilizer, since rich soil shortens its life and makes it floppy. Heavy, wet clay is its biggest enemy, especially in winter, so plant in a raised or gritty spot if needed. Water regularly through the first season, then only during long droughts. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Blanket flowers tend to be short-lived. A light cutback in late summer and dividing every couple of years in spring help keep the plant vigorous. Leave the stems over winter and tidy them in spring.

History: 'Arizona Sun' was named a 2005 All-America Selections winner and earned a 2005 Fleuroselect Gold Medal. Its species, Gaillardia aristata, is native to western North America, including the Canadian prairies.

Final Thoughts: Plant it along a hot driveway and watch it glow all summer. SUNSET ON DEMAND, NO PATIO HEATER REQUIRED.