Gaillardia aristata Maxima Aurea

Gaillardia aristata Maxima Aurea is very similar to a spectacular wild species native to Canada and the United States. It is a tall variety, with larger flowers than its wild cousin, in the shape of sun-like daisies, adorned with a crown of ligulate flowers in a light and uniform yellow around an orange centre. This perennial variety has excellent health, tolerating cold, heat, and drought, but dislikes humidity. Less "precious" than the numerous cultivars it has given birth to, this gaillardia freely self-seeds and integrates more easily into a natural garden.

The Gaillardia aristata Maxima Aurea is an improved form of G. grandiflora. This large plant is native to the central and western prairies of North America, as well as western Canada. Belonging, like the sunflower, to the large family of Asteraceae, this variety has inherited from its parent excellent hardiness and increased longevity. 'Maxima Aurea' forms a strong clump of 70-75 cm (28-30in) in all directions, composed of robust ramified stems, covered from summer to autumn with large heads measuring 8-10 cm (3-4in), where pollinating insects gather. They are a bright and vivid yellow, perfectly uniform. The entire flower is animated by a central yellow-orange disc. The foliage, mainly basal, is composed of aromatic, ovate, narrow, slightly lobed or deeply dissected, dark green and downy leaves.

A bit outdated today, gaillardias, along with the large-flowered coreopsis and other Gaura, are among the champions of floral abundance. Even the wild form G. aristata proves to be very floriferous. Their only flaw is their poor tolerance for ambient humidity, even in well-drained soil. In gardens in hotter, drier regions with mediocre soils it is a blessing: it will accompany lavenders, perennial flax, shrubby salvias, bloody or ash-coloured perennial geraniums, artemisias, and grasses (Stipa, Panicum, Leymus arenarius)  - plants which are equally undemanding and floriferous. Its flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.