Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Blanket Flower

Endemic to central and western United States and parts of South America, this genus com­prises around 28 species of long-flowering annuals and perennials. They have rough, toothed or deeply divided leaves and will pro-vide a continuous supply of ray-like flowers on single stalks for cutting during the summer.

Species

G. amblyodon is an annual, to 1 m (3 ft), with maroon summer flowers and oblong to lance-shaped, mostly entire leaves, to 8 cm (3 in).

G. x grandiflora is a vigorous perennial which flowers from seed in its first year. A range of these hybrids is available, with flowers in tones of red, yellow and orange. Cultivar 'Burgundy' has wine red flowers, with a yellow band along the outer edges; 'Goblin' (Synonym: 'Gobolin') is a 30 cm (12 in) dwarf having yellow and red blooms.

G. pulchella is an upright annual, which grows 45-60 cm (18-24 in), with crimson or yellow, hall-like flowers and hairy, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. It is useful in borders, where it creates bright spots of colour. There are several cultivars available some with double flowers.

Cultivation

These hardy plants are easy to grow and can tolerate heat and drought. They need only a light, well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Propagate the annuals from seed, and the perennials by division or from root cuttings.

Climate

Zone 8, but zone 5 for G. x grandiflora.