Overview
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Gaillardia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica is a bushy, clump-forming cultivar of the Gaillardia genus, which includes annuals, biennials, and perennials with simple or pinnately lobed foliage. This deciduous plant produces prominent, long-stemmed flower heads resembling daisies, typically blooming in summer and autumn. It thrives in full sun on well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels, making it suitable for exposed, south- or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well suited to city gardens, coastal areas, and informal borders, and can be propagated by division or root cuttings.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaillardia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica?
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica need?
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica hardy in the UK?
Gaillardia megapotamica var. megapotamica 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 megapotamica var. megapotamica?
Division in spring, Root cuttings in winter.
More in the Gaillardia genus
- Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Moxie'PBRBlanket Flower
- Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Croftway Yellow'Blanket Flower
- Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Ipswich Beauty'Blanket Flower
- Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Wirral Flame'Wirral Flame Blanket Flower