Gaillardia 'Goblin'

Gaillardia 'Goblin': Petite Flame with Bold Spirit
Low-growing and lively, Gaillardia 'Goblin' packs all the fiery drama of larger blanket flowers into a neat, compact form. Its daisy-like blooms blaze with scarlet-red centres and bright yellow tips, creating a cheerful display that starts in early summer and continues into fall. Hardy, heat-tolerant, and beloved by pollinators, Goblin thrives in dry, sunny spaces where its vivid colours and tidy habit add long-lasting impact with minimal care.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a dense, compact mound
• Flower Colour: Bright red petals edged with golden yellow and a prominent reddish-orange cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Grey-green, lance-shaped leaves in a low rosette
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or average soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Gaillardia 'Goblin' is ideal for edging sunny borders, adding bursts of colour to rock gardens, or brightening containers. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces, while its vibrant blooms support bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. Extremely drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, Goblin offers fuss-free gardening with a bold visual payoff. A reliable choice for water-wise landscapes and hot, dry exposures.

Companion Plants: Pair Gaillardia 'Goblin' with Sedum 'Angelina', whose trailing golden foliage complements Goblin’s warm palette and thrives in similar dry conditions. Add Thymus 'Magic Carpet', a low, flowering groundcover with pink blooms and aromatic foliage that softens the planting’s edges. Complete the combination with Coreopsis 'Baby Sun', whose golden-yellow daisy flowers echo the edges of Goblin’s blooms and extend the pollinator feast into late summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid rich or poorly drained conditions, which may reduce flowering and cause rot. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering, or allow seed heads to remain for wildlife interest. Cut back in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain compactness and vigour.

History: A classic cultivar of Gaillardia aristata, 'Goblin' has been a staple in sun-drenched gardens for decades. Bred for its manageable size, extended bloom period, and eye-catching colours, it embodies the cheerful resilience of its prairie heritage. Like its wild cousins, it thrives in tough conditions—and looks brilliant doing so.

Final Thoughts: Bold, compact, and bursting with colour, Gaillardia 'Goblin' proves that small plants can make a mighty impression. From pollinator beds to patio pots, it lights up the garden with the warmth of a summer bonfire—and keeps glowing all season long. For gardeners who love low-maintenance beauty with a wild heart, Goblin is a little legend worth knowing.