Gaillarida pulchella. Also known as Firewheel. This annual North American wildflower has a cone centre, a bit like Echinacea, but surrounded by sunset red petals tipped in gold. Start Blanketflower Gaillardia seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in April. For best results, top dress with well-rotted manure just as flowering starts. Deadhead regularly and avoid overhead watering to prevent the onset of mildew in late summer. Gaillardia will self sow, but is not an invasive plant. Its natural drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. They are also nice to have around for cut flower arrangements. Flowers can be quite variable in size and colour pattern.

Annual

• Annual
• Sunset red petals tipped in gold
• Cone centre a bit like Echinacea
• May self-sow, but not invasive
• Deadhead regularly