Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) is a beautiful perennial plant that has the ability to spread easily. It does this through its underground rhizomes, which are horizontal stems that grow beneath the soil surface. These rhizomes allow the plant to send out new shoots and form new plants, creating a thick blanket-like growth.
One of the benefits of Blanket Flower’s spreading nature is its ability to form thick blankets of leaf rosettes. These rosettes provide a dense cover of foliage, which can act as a groundcover when the plant is not in bloom. This is particularly true in the upper end of its growing range where the foliage can be semi-evergreen.
To create an attractive display of Blanket Flower in your garden, it is recommended to space the plants 12-18 inches apart, center on center, from other plants. This spacing allows the plants to spread and fill in the gaps, creating a cohesive and lush blanket of color.
I have personally experienced the spreading nature of Blanket Flower in my own garden. I planted a few Blanket Flower plants several years ago and now they have formed a thick, colorful carpet in that area. The rhizomes have sent out new shoots and created new plants, resulting in a beautiful display of flowers.
It’s important to note that while Blanket Flower’s spreading nature can be advantageous in terms of creating a groundcover and filling in gaps, it can also become invasive if not properly managed. Regular monitoring and maintenance will help prevent the plant from taking over other areas of your garden.
Blanket Flower is a perennial plant that spreads easily through underground rhizomes. Its ability to form thick blankets of leaf rosettes makes it an excellent groundcover when not in bloom. Spacing the plants properly and regular monitoring are important to prevent it from becoming invasive.
