Gaillardia Solero

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Gaillardia

Species

aristate

Description

A small, clump-forming, perennial ornamental herb suitable for flowerbeds, borders, rockeries and window boxes, where its bright, vividly coloured capitulum inflorescences will add a splash of colour during the spring and summer; once the petals have fallen, the receptacle takes on a globular shape, adding further decorative value. Its height allows it to be used both in uniform, compact clumps and as a foreground plant within mixed plantings alongside other species. Resistant to summer heat and tolerant of drought, it is an ideal choice for green spaces – including urban areas – that require little maintenance in the context of climate change, with summers becoming increasingly arid.

Variety description

Plant with very showy flowering in late spring and summer. Has a very long flowering period. Suitable for flowerbeds, perennial plant that disappears in winter to grow again in spring.

Curiosities and special features

The genusGaillardia was named by the botanist A. D. Fougeroux de Bondaroy in honour of the French magistrate A. R. Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century botanist.

Cut flowers can be used in fresh arrangements with warm, bright colours.

Origin and distribution

A species native to south-central Canada and North America. The cross between Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pulchella has given rise to numerous hybrids, which are distinguished mainly by the colour tones of their inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower is ofmedium size, lending an air of elegance to the vibrant display.

Leaf

The leaves have pinnate lamina.

Flowering period

The prolonged floweringperiod lastsfrom mid-spring to early summer, spanning 90 to 120 days, during which the numerous blooms will become a focal point of great ornamental value.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence head, typical of Species belonging to the botanical Family of Compositae.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.2 and 0.6 m. Gaillardia is used both in uniform groups and in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants of varying heights to create a sense of flowing movement.

Lifespan

Herbaceous perennial; during winter it sheds its aerial part and grows again in spring.

Where to plant

With its lush blooms and vibrant colours, this composite is ideal for adding a touch of elegance to flowerbeds, planters, outdoor pots and borders

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and tomentose;the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, medium-sized, with a gamopetalous corolla and two-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized flower head inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

A compact-growing variety, ideal for creating well-proportioned and uniform group plantings.

Plant habit

Its globular habit lends the variety further ornamental appeal, blending perfectly with the flowers that rise above the foliage to create a dense, colourful canopy.

PH

It prefers soils or substrates with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then use a hoe to break up the larger clods to make the soil looser. Finally, add a layer of professional-grade growing medium to the surface, approximately 5–10 cm thick, and level it carefully.

Sun exposure

For optimal vegetative growth and luxuriant flowering expose the gaillardia to half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

Gaillardia is suited to warm temperate climates. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C.Its optimal growth temperature is between 10 and 30 °C.

Use

An ornamental herb valued for its vibrant spring and summer flowering in
Outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness; it does not tolerate waterlogging but withstands intense summer heat well.

Soil

Gaillardia prefers peaty, well-drained soil; for outdoor planters and pots, use a high-quality, specialist potting mix for spring-flowering plants, containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

The cultivation of gaillardia is moderately difficult, but with special attention to irrigation and fertilisation you will achieve excellent growth and flowering results.

Growing tips

To prevent stress on the plant and ensure optimal growing conditions, the following cultivation practices are recommended:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

Suitable both for compact, uniform groups and in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants such as Cineraria maritima, Coreopsis, Digitalis and Gaura. When transplanting, ensure that the planting density allows each plant to develop properly, arranging each species in different height zones to achieve a well-proportioned overall effect with high decorative value.

Planting

When planting in mid-spring in a flowerbed, aim for an average density of 10 plants per square metre to ensure proper development of the root system and above-ground growth of each plant, thereby achieving a harmonious and formally balanced final composition. We recommend placing each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root ball completely; it must be well-moistened, Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning, whilst taking care to prevent waterlogging. Avoid transplanting into the flowerbed during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from drying out, which could lead to the entire plant wilting.

Pruning

In autumn, cut off the base of the flower stem.

Propagation

Propagation can take place either via apical cuttings or from seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting, water thoroughly to help the plant settle properly into its new location, whilst taking care to avoid waterlogging. Thereafter, keep the soil or growing medium moist with moderate, localised watering, avoiding waterlogging, which can cause yellowing and the development of fungal diseases leading to root rot. Always check the soil moisture level before watering, as Gaillardia is very sensitive to overwatering.

Fertilising

During the spring and summer, apply a fertiliser specifically designed for flowering plants to the potting mix or soil, using it in liquid form – that is, diluted in the watering water – without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Toxicity for humans

No known toxicity following ingestion; avoid ingestion.

Tip

The plant performs very well in flowerbeds even in compositions with other plants, does not tolerate excess water, tolerates strong summer heat well.