Gaillardia, blanket Flower

Blanketflower generally prefers a dry, sunny site and does not tolerate wet or heavy clay soils. Though it can be grown throughout much of the U.S., it’s typically an annual or short-lived perennial in all but the more arid regions of the country. Though not reliably perennial outside of its native range, it’s worth including in your pollinator garden as an annual or short-lived perennial as it blooms early and often, frequently remaining as one of the last plants to flower through the end of the season. Native range: Nearly a dozen species of blanketflower are found in North America, but only two are widely available as seed or garden plants. Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) is a perennial species of the northern plains, Rocky Mountains, and inland Northwest. Indian blanket (G. pulchella) is an annual species occurring from Arizona across the southern plains, Gulf Coast, and Florida.