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Gaillardia aristata 'Amber Wheels'
Gaillardia aristata 'Amber Wheels'

Gaillardia aristata 'Amber Wheels'

$10.95

Gaillardia aristata 'Amber Wheels' is a striking blanket flower cultivar known for its vivid contrast of golden yellow petals with a dark red center disk. Its fringed pinwheel like blooms appear continuously over a long season and attract pollinators in abundance. Deadheading prolongs flowering, and the plant’s hairy stems and foliage add texture while deterring browsing by deer and rabbits. It often self seeds and naturalizes in sunny open spaces lending a wild cheerful effect to cottage or meadow style plantings.

Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in

Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Well drained, lean or sandy soils

Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Fuzzy foliage and stems deter deer and rabbits

Native Status

This cultivar is derived from Gaillardia aristata, a species native to much of western and central North America. It is widely used in ornamental landscapes for its long bloom season and adaptability.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Butterflies

  • Visited by Painted Ladies, Pearl Crescents, and Common Buckeyes for nectar throughout the blooming season.

Bees

  • Attracts native solitary bees, bumblebees, and honeybees that collect both pollen and nectar from its open daisy like flowers.

Moths

  • Evening blooming moths and day flying species such as the Gaillardia Flower Moth may visit the blooms or lay eggs on the plant.

Birds

  • Finches and other small songbirds feed on the dried seed heads in late summer and fall if left standing.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations:

  • Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for air circulation and to encourage upright, tidy growth without crowding.

Landscape Placement:

  • Suitable for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, and naturalistic plantings. Pairs well with other drought tolerant sun lovers in meadow or prairie themed beds.

Companion Plants

  • Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Compact with finely textured foliage and bright yellow blooms that complement and extend the flower season of blanket flower.
  • Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Offers vertical spikes of purple blue flowers that contrast well with Gaillardia's round blooms.
  • Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' (English Lavender) - Brings fragrance and silvery foliage, enhancing drought tolerance and pollinator appeal in sunny beds.
  • Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) - Adds upright lavender purple flower spikes and aromatic leaves that attract bees and butterflies.
  • Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Provides bold golden yellow blooms with dark centers that echo and intensify Gaillardia's colors in midsummer.

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