Gaillardia

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During the mid-summer months, gaillardia makes fantastic additions to the garden today on Southern Gardening

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Gaillardia is a native plant which has few pests with its pallet of bright warm colors, can liven up the summer landscape. And to add to the interest and usefulness, Gaillardia has adapted to the entire state of Mississippi. In fact it’s common to see Gaillardia growing in the most neglected and harsh conditions. The center of flower is typically rosy red to purple with petals ranging from yellow and orange to coppery crimson. There are many selections to choose from. The flowers of gallows dark bicolor have rust color center cones surrounded by petals, each having a dab or two of red and finishing with a yellow band. The bright and colorful flowers will not fade in the intense heat of our Mississippi summers.

For those gardeners that love to have sunny yellow flowers, the mason is for you. The flowers are generous, measuring up to three inches in diameter. The entire flower is a cheery bright yellow that seems to radiate color. The center cone is knobby having profuse, slender yellow petals.

Be sure to plant Gaillardia in the full sun, and once established, this plant is drought tolerant. Almost any type of soil is fine, as long as it is well-drained. Gaillardia does not like to have wet feet. Dead heading will help to promote more flowering, but I recommend leaving some of the fading flowers. The seed heads are lollop shaped and add color and textural interest through the growing season. Gaillardia is perfect for full sun boarder planting for other flowering perennials and annuals.

This is Gary Bachman with Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.