Gaillardia is a native plant with few pests that can liven up the summer landscape anywhere in Mississippi with its bright, warm colors.

Gaillardia makes a fantastic addition to the summer garden. Many gardeners know Gaillardia as blanket flower, a name that came from the early settlers’ comparing the colors of the flowers to those of the blankets of Native Americans. Gaillardia is named in honor of French botanist Gaillard de Charentonneau.

There are about 30 different annual and perennial species of Gaillardia. Most seen in garden centers are Gaillardia grandiflora. This name is appropriate, as the flowers, which are up to 4 inches across, can put on a show. The centers typically are rosy red to purple, with petals ranging from yellow and orange to coppery crimson. There are many selections to choose from.

The flowers of Mesa Bright Bicolor have bright red centers and a yellow band on the petals that will not fade in summer’s heat and sunlight. The center cone resembles a red and yellow pin cushion. Like many bicolor plants, the intensity of the color combination depends on the local environment. This plant has a sturdy, uniform branching habit that displays the gorgeous flowers well in either landscape or container plantings.

Arizona Apricot, a beautiful selection with 3.5-inch flowers, was a 2011 All-America Selections winner. Flowers have brilliant yellow edges that darken to shades of apricot in the center. Arizona Apricot is a compact plant, growing to only 12 inches tall.

Don’t be fooled by the small stature of this plant; Arizona Apricot is a heavy bloomer. It has a free flowering habit that is perfect for mass plantings in the landscape or for use as a filler plant in summer combination containers.

The Gaillardia with perhaps the most unique flowers is Candy Corn. Growing up to 12 inches tall and spreading to 18 inches, Candy Corn’s growth habit will quickly fill in gaps between plants. But it’s the orange, red and gold double flowers that draw attention. The petals are tube-shaped and resemble trumpets with their flared ends.

Plant Gaillardia in the full sun. Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant. Almost any type of soil is fine as long as it is well drained. Gaillardia does not like wet feet. Deadhead to promote more flowering, but I recommend leaving some of the fading flowers. The seed heads are lollipop-shaped and add color and texture through the growing season.

Gaillardia is perfect for full sun color border plantings with other flowering annuals and perennials. Pair with Coreopsis or sunflowers to create a beautiful yellow, monochromatic-themed landscape bed, or try combining it with the complementary purples of Echinacea.

Once you try this native selection, you will find many uses for it in your gardens and landscape.