Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' (Wirral Flame Blanket Flower) — perennial

Overview

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' is a perennial in the genus Gaillardia, part of the Asteraceae family. Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cottage gardens. It is native to New South Wales.

About

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae that offers an extended summer flowering display. It comes from New South Wales and grows best in full sun on well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Rated H5 for the UK, it tolerates typical outdoor winters when planted in an open, sunny position. Use it in borders, containers or cottage-garden plantings to make the most of its June to September flowering.

About the genus

Gaillardia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to North and South America. It was named after Maître Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French magistrate who was an enthusiastic botanist. The common name may refer to the resemblance of the inflorescence to the brightly patterned blankets made by Native Americans, or to the ability of wild taxa to blanket the ground with colonies.

Wikipedia contributors, "Gaillardia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gaillardia

In the garden

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' belongs to the Asteraceae and traces its origin to New South Wales. As a perennial, it returns each year and produces its flowering display through the summer months between June and September. The cultivar is suited to situations with full exposure and thrives where soil drains freely and moisture is moderate rather than waterlogged. Site it where it receives uninterrupted sun and where surrounding plants will not shade its flowering shoots; the marked preference is for full sun and an open aspect. In the UK it carries an H5 rating, meaning it is hardy in most outdoor situations, though a sunny, sheltered spot will best preserve flowers and foliage through variable seasons. Planting in borders allows it to mingle with herbaceous perennials, while containers place blooms at eye level on patios and terraces; cottage-garden mixes suit its informal habit. Its flowering run from June to September provides a reliable summer presence, making it valuable where continuous bloom through the warmer months is desired.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Gaillardia

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moderate
Exposure: full
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, containers, cottage gardens
Native to: New South Wales

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; cut back in late autumn.
Propagation: seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'?

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' prefers full sun. It suits full positions.

What soil does Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' need?

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; cut back in late autumn.

Is Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' hardy in the UK?

Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'?

Seed, division.

More in the Gaillardia genus

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