Gaillardia Arizona

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Gaillardia

Species

grandiflora

Description

Gaillardia is a perennial that is propagated by seed or cuttings, and flowers in its first year without requiring a period of cold (vernalisation). It is characterised by excellent branching, resulting in abundant, long-lasting flowering from June to September. It adapts to a wide range of climatic conditions, although it thrives best in the sunniest and warmest spots, where its attractive flowers attract numerous pollinating insects.

It is most commonly used in flowerbeds, but also in large planters.

Curiosities and special features

The term ‘Gaillardia’ is derived from Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century botanist to whom the botanical genus was named, whilst the specific epithet ‘grandiflora’ is derived from ‘grandis’ (meaning ‘large’) and ‘flos’ (meaning ‘flower’), in reference to the size of the flowers.

Origin and distribution

A hybrid resulting from the cross between G. aristata and G. pulchella; the former is a perennial native to subarctic America and the northern United States, whilst the latter is an annual native to the central United States and northern Mexico.

Today, it is available in a wide range of varieties.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, harmonising with the shade of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.25 and 0.35 m, making it ideal for planters and pots as well as flowerbeds.

Lifespan

A perennial herb; during the cold season, the above-ground parts tend to wither, only to grow again the following spring.

Where to plant

Thanks to its bright, upright flower heads, it is widely grown in flowerbeds, planters and large pots, where it adds a splash of colour with great ornamental value.

Stem

It hasherbaceous stems bearing inflorescences at the top;the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a dialipetal corolla and two-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized head-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 100 and 120 days. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Its rounded growth pattern results in a compact and neat appearance.

Plant habit

The plant’s growth habit is erect, visually emphasised by the stems bearing the characteristic flower heads.

Branching

Theprofuse branching results in a high density of flowers and leaves.

PH

The ideal pH of the growing medium or soil for Gaillardia x grandiflora isbetween 5.8 and 6.2.

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 of earth to make the soil looser. Create a slight mound to form a raised bed, which will ensure proper drainage of excess water, thereby preventing waterlogging and subsequent root rot.

Finally, add a layer of professional-grade growing medium to the surface to a depth of approximately 5–10 cm, levelling it carefully.

Sun exposure

It requiresan east/south-east facing position, full sun and afternoon sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 12 and 22 °C during the growing season.

Use

Valued as a perennial herb in:
Ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

A pinata with a medium-high level of rusticity.

Soil

It requires well-drained soil in a flowerbed, rich in organic matter.

For growing in a planter, use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for spring-flowering plants.

Difficulty

fairly easy to grow, requires a medium level of maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines to encourage better vegetative growth and full flowering:
Plants will not flower in low light Expose the plant to as much light as possible Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Suitable both for creating compact, uniform groups of a single variety and for mixed plantings with other ornamental species such as Erigeron karvinskianus and Rudbeckia hirta.

Before transplanting, ensure a planting density that promotes the proper development of each plant, arranging them according to their growth habit, the height they have reached and the desired colour combinations, in order to achieve a well-proportioned overall effect with high decorative value.

Planting

Plant at an average density of 9 plants per square metre to ensure each plant develops properly, thereby achieving a harmonious and formally balanced final composition. We recommend planting 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 should be well-moistened. Finally, water immediately after planting, whilst ensuring that water does not become waterlogged.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or via a drip irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting, water the plant to help it settle properly into its new location, whilst taking care to avoid waterlogging. Subsequently, during the growing season, keep the growing medium or soil moist with moderate, localised watering, avoiding waterlogging, which can cause yellowing and the development of fungal diseases leading to root rot.

Fertilising

Once the plant has fully settled into its new location, apply a general-purpose fertiliser for flowering plants to the substrate or soil during the spring, applying it in liquid form – that is, diluted in the watering water – without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

For a more abundant bloom, it is advisable to remove the first flowers, perhaps using them as cut flowers to display indoors. It is a perennial that can withstand the cold provided the soil is well-drained. After winter, the plant will start growing again, producing a beautiful and long-lasting display of multicoloured summer flowers every year.