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Indian Blanket

Gaillardia spp. (Self-hybrid of Gaillardia aristata × Gaillardia pulchella)

false

1 gallon

Plant Care

Indian Blanket

Out of stock

2’x2’

Sizes:

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

2’x2’

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Red, Yellow and Orange

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

Prune to remove spent flowers or when the plant becomes leggy

Cold Hardiness:

-20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Indian Blanket – Gaillardia spp.

(Self-hybrid of Gaillardia aristata × Gaillardia pulchella)

Indian Blanket is a stunning perennial with daisy-like blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow that brighten the garden from spring through fall. This particular form is a natural self-hybrid between Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pulchella, making it especially vigorous and long-blooming in our desert climate.

In the garden, aim for balance: deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooms, but leave a few flowers to go to seed so the birds can feast. Alternatively, simply let nature take its course—Indian Blanket readily reseeds and naturalizes. If plants become leggy, they can be sheared back to the ground for fresh, compact regrowth. While it thrives in full sun, it will also appreciate some light afternoon shade in the low desert for prolonged bloom and healthier foliage.

This drought-tolerant, colorful, and easy-to-grow plant is not only beautiful but also ecologically valuable, attracting a wide variety of pollinators and providing food for birds and other wildlife.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: No specialist Lepidoptera documented locally; may host generalist caterpillars.
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme); also frequented by native bees and other butterflies.
Bird Resources: Seeds; Caterpillars
Bird Species: House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
Bees: Honey bees (Apis mellifera); native bees including leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.) and sweat bees (Halictidae family)

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.