We have selected the blanketflower, Gaillardia, as our Flower of September. You will see it blooming everywhere in North Florida, especially the colorful dunes of our beaches, well into the fall months. This native wildflower is also called firewheel, Indian blanket, Indian blanketflower, or sundance.
There is an abundance of subspecies of this flower but the one that grows the best in Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona, and Ormond is Gaillardia pulchella. This flower grows either as a short-lived perennial, annual flowering plant, or sometimes year round. Blanketflower is a relative of the sunflower family.
Gaillardia pulchella is a hardy plant that will grow in almost any soil but it tends to appreciate soil that is sandy and well-drained. It thrives in our region in summer and fall because of its high drought tolerance and predilection for a dry, hot climate and full sun. It spreads beautifully (like a blanket) and you will see expansive patches of its bright fiery colors.
Blanketflower is loved by honeybees, butterflies, and caterpillars - in fact some species of caterpillar will eat only Gaillardia. Blanketflower produces plentiful seeds for replanting and self-seeding, and the seed heads are very popular with wild birds. If deer are damaging your landscaping, you will be pleased to note that blanketflower is deer-resistant!
🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚
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