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Indian Blanket

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

true

1 gallon

Indian Blanket

In stock

2’x2’

Sizes:

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)

Plant Care

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

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.