Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun'

Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun': A Desert Sunset in Bloom
With petals dipped in flame and a centre that glows like the heart of the sun, Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' captures the heat and brilliance of a desert sky at dusk. This compact, sun-loving perennial bursts into bloom in early summer and continues well into autumn, each flower a vivid blend of red, orange, and gold. Drought-tolerant and endlessly cheerful, it brings long-lasting colour, pollinator appeal, and effortless charm to even the driest corners of the garden.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a compact, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Red petals tipped with golden yellow; prominent reddish-orange centre cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to autumn
• Foliage: Grey-green, lance-shaped leaves forming a dense, low rosette
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to poor soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' is perfect for sunny borders, containers, xeriscapes, and rock gardens where brilliant colour and low maintenance are desired. Its long bloom time supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its tidy form makes it ideal for mass plantings or edging. With excellent drought resistance and a carefree attitude, it thrives in heat and poor soil—bringing beauty where other plants may struggle.

Companion Plants: Pair Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' with Sedum 'Fulda Glow', whose bronze foliage and rosy-red blooms echo the gaillardia’s fiery palette while adding a succulent contrast in texture. Add Coreopsis 'Sunkiss', whose golden daisy blooms amplify the warm tones and extend the flowering season. Complete the planting with Festuca 'Boulder Blue', whose spiky, blue foliage cools and balances the scene, adding movement and structure.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering or rich soil, which can reduce bloom quality and lead to root issues. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming or leave seed heads for late-season interest and wildlife value. Cut back in early spring and divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigour.

History: Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' is part of the award-winning Arizona series, bred for compact growth, extended flowering, and intense, bi-colour blooms. Derived from Gaillardia aristata, a species native to the dry prairies of North America, it carries the resilience and sunny disposition of its wild ancestors into the modern garden. It earned the All-America Selections award for its outstanding performance across climates.

Final Thoughts: Radiant and resilient, Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' is a summer essential for bold colour and enduring beauty. Whether planted in swathes along a hot border or spotlighted in a container, it offers the warmth of a desert sunset with none of the fuss. For gardeners who crave brilliance without the burden, this perennial star shines brightly, season after season.