Firewheel

Firewheel, also known as Blanket Flower

Gaillardia pulchella

Family- Aster

Central Texas Ecoregions- Blackland Prairie, Cross Timbers & Prairies, East Central Texas Plains, Edward’s Plateau

Light Requirements- Sun, Part Shade

Wildlife Benefit- Bees, Butterflies

Bloom Time- April-November

Leaf Retention- Annual that will reseed, in milder climates can be perennial

Life Span- Annual 

Height- 1’- 2’

Width- 1’-2’

Native Habitat- Dunes and Beaches, Grassland, Prairie, Woodland Edge

Additional Information- Great option for pocket prairies and meadow plantings.  Can be nice in a more formal landscape but it can readily reseed and spread so if you need a more controlled environment this might not be the right plant for that space. Provides a vibrant pop of color with bright red and yellow blooms. Very drought tolerant and can have a long blooming season that can be extended even longer with supplemental summer watering and deadheading. Also does great in containers.

Biodegradable Pots

Whenever possible KNP uses biodegradable pots. They are a great alternative to plastic pots. Biodegradable pots can be planted directly into the ground. I recommend not taking the plants out of the pot before planting, this reduces transplant shock which makes for happy plants!

Biodegradable Pot Size Information

Small- 4” Wide Top, 2.5” Wide Base, 3.75” Tall (Similar to Standard 4” Pot)

Medium- 5.25” Wide Top, 3.25” Wide Base, 5” Tall

Large- 7" Wide Top, 4.5" Wide Base, 6.125" Tall (Similar to Gallon Size Pot)