Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades'

Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades': A Flame of Colour in the Summer Garden
Blazing with rich, ruby-red blooms, Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades' ignites the landscape with months of non-stop colour. Compact and free-flowering, this sun-loving perennial is part of the award-winning Arizona series, bred for intense hues and exceptional performance in heat and drought. Its daisy-like flowers, each with a golden eye and slightly fluted petals, bloom from early summer well into autumn—offering vibrant impact and pollinator appeal in gardens of all sizes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm, forming a tidy, low mound
• Flower Colour: Deep crimson to scarlet-red petals with darker central cones
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, grey-green leaves forming a dense, compact base
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to poor, well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, gravelly, or dry soils

Uses and Benefits: Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades' is ideal for sunny borders, containers, rock gardens, and xeriscapes where brilliant colour and minimal maintenance are essential. Its long bloom period supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its compact form makes it easy to integrate into small spaces or mass plantings. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives where other perennials falter—delivering beauty and resilience all season long.

Companion Plants: Pair Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades' with Sedum 'John Creech', a ground-hugging succulent whose pink blooms and green foliage provide a cooling contrast and echo the gaillardia’s toughness. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Taffy', whose soft coral-pink umbels complement the red blooms and extend the pollinator buffet. Finish with Festuca 'Cool As Ice', whose fine, blue-toned foliage offsets the gaillardia’s bold colouring while adding texture and motion to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich or moist conditions, which can reduce flowering and lead to root rot. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming, or leave seed heads in late summer for birds and winter interest. Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh new growth. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigour.

History: Part of the Gaillardia x grandiflora group, 'Arizona Red Shades' was developed for compact size, early flowering, and intense colour. The species is native to North America’s plains and dry regions, and this modern cultivar retains its wild heritage’s hardiness while offering a more refined, garden-ready form. Its performance and adaptability have earned it numerous accolades, including the All-America Selections award.

Final Thoughts: Bold, long-blooming, and brilliantly red, Gaillardia 'Arizona Red Shades' is a powerhouse for the summer garden. Whether massed in a dry border or tucked into a sun-soaked container, it delivers waves of colour, supports pollinators, and thrives with little care. A fiery addition to any full-sun landscape, it brings both energy and endurance to the heart of the season.