How big does Blanket flower grow?

About 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–90 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Blanket flower grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Is Blanket flower hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Blanket flower toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Blanket flower flower?

Flowering: May–October, yellow, orange, red.

How much water does Blanket flower need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Blanket flower

Gaillardia aristata

Blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Mildly toxic to children.

Illustration of Blanket flower — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

From early summer until the first frosts it carries yellow, orange and red, often two-toned daisy flowers, and it shrugs off heat and drought. Most plants sold are hybrids and short-lived: they wear themselves out after two or three years, and in heavy soil that stays wet in winter they may not survive even the first one. Plant it in a sunny, lean, well-drained spot, cut it back in late summer and replace or divide it every few years.

Watch out for

A short-lived perennial: the hybrids live two years on average. In heavy soil that is wet in winter the crown rots. Powdery mildew, leaf spot and aster yellows can occur but are rarely serious. It self-seeds easily, though seedlings do not come true to the cultivar.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–October, yellow, orange, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–October, yellow, orange, red
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers

Looks good next to it

Common yew

Taxus baccata

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Mountain rock cress

Arabis caucasica