Seeds of annual Gaillardia pulchella 'Razzle Dazzle'

Gaillardia pulchella 'Razzle Dazzle' is an astonishing mixture of fully double flowers measuring 8cm (3.1in) in diameter, blending in a whirlwind of colours, oranges, reds, yellows, and other bicoloured shades. They create captivating variegated scenes in borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements.

Gaillardia or blanket flower is an Asteraceae that grows in large clumps in sunny and dry prairies in North America. It is highly appreciated for its warm colours, its frugality, and its very long flowering period from late spring to early autumn. It is affectionately called the 'blanket flower' by English speakers. Indeed, its colours remind us of the patterns and colours of Indian tapestries.

It has a very upright habit and can reach 60 to 70cm (27.6in) in height depending on the varieties and 25cm (9.8in) in width. The numerous stems bear a solitary flower with the appearance of a daisy in warm colours. The central tubular ligules, imperceptibly downy, take on ochre brown, red, or amber hues. The florets, forming the collar, are scarlet at the base and saffron yellow at the tips where they form two or several well-marked lobes. The very irregularly placed ligules give the flower a somewhat tousled look. Depending on the varieties, the proportion of yellow, red, and orange varies and reflects a specific dominant colour that you can appreciate from June to September. The foliage is deciduous, lanceolate, and pubescent, often taking on a grey-green hue.

Gaillardia pulchella 'Razzle Dazzle' is an astonishing mixture of fully double flowers measuring 8cm (3.1in) in diameter, gathering in a whirlwind of colours all the possible colours of Gaillardia. The flowers are semi-double to double, so much so that they manage to form a perfect sphere of tubular pipes. Gaillardia pulchella is an annual plant. This variety reaches a height of 30cm and is rather adopted as a ground cover in border plantings or in mixed borders.

Combine your Gaillardias with Leucanthemum or white Scabiosa in a wild meadow. Gaillardia likes light and well-drained but rich soils. It is not afraid of drought or heat, so do not hesitate to plant it in full sun. As it self-seeds abundantly, be sure to remove faded flowers not only to stimulate new blooms but also to prevent it from spreading too much. However, even when faded, with a big heart like that, it retains undeniable ornamental interest.