Gaillardia 'Mesa Red'

Gaillardia 'Mesa Red': A Crimson Beacon in the Summer Heat
Bold, fiery, and endlessly blooming, Gaillardia 'Mesa Red' commands attention with its rich, velvety-red petals that glow like embers from early summer to autumn. As the first true red in the award-winning Mesa series, this compact blanket flower offers the intensity of native prairies with the refinement of modern breeding. Perfect for pollinators and heat-lovers alike, it brings vibrancy, structure, and resilience to sunny gardens of all styles.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, forming a uniform, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Deep, saturated red with a darker, subtly domed centre
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Medium green, lance-shaped leaves with a lightly textured surface
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; highly drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Gaillardia 'Mesa Red' is a powerhouse for hot, dry gardens, providing season-long colour with minimal maintenance. Its vivid red blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a natural fit for pollinator-focused landscapes. Compact and tidy in form, it suits borders, containers, xeriscapes, and mass plantings. Heat- and drought-resistant, it’s ideal for gardeners who want bold impact without constant upkeep.

Companion Plants: Pair Gaillardia 'Mesa Red' with Coreopsis 'Curry Up', whose bright golden blooms create a dramatic contrast and echo the prairie palette. Add Sedum 'Firecracker', whose burgundy foliage and late-season flowers blend beautifully with Mesa Red’s tones while offering contrasting texture. Finish with Festuca 'Beyond Blue', whose icy-blue tufts cool and complement the red, providing year-round interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich or moist soil, which may reduce blooming and cause crown rot. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom time, or allow some to remain for seed and late-season wildlife interest. Cut back in early spring and divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigour and shape.

History: Gaillardia 'Mesa Red' is part of the Mesa series, known for compact growth, strong flower colour, and long-lasting performance. Derived from Gaillardia aristata, a North American native known for its resilience in tough climates, this cultivar was bred to combine the durability of its wild roots with rich, uniform colouring—becoming the first in the series to achieve true red.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who want drama, colour, and dependability, Gaillardia 'Mesa Red' delivers in every way. With its velvety blooms and compact form, it brings the spirit of the prairie into manageable, sun-loving spaces. A perennial that thrives on heat, serves pollinators, and never fades into the background—Mesa Red burns bright all season long.