Blanket Flower 'Ring of Fire'

The blooms begin as soon as the weather turns warm in summer. Unlike some Gaillardia flowers, which tend to flop on their stems, 'Ring of Fire's blooms are held up, facing the sun, and open wide. Cut all you like for indoor arrangements; this is a "cut-and-come-again" variety, meaning that there are plenty more where those came from! You don't have to deadhead this plant, but the quicker the old blooms are removed, the faster new buds appear to replace them!

'Ring of Fire' blooms all summer long and into fall in most climates, attracting bees and butterflies by the dozen. This is a robust plant, asking only for well-drained soil to grow and bloom its best. Its species is aristata, which is longer-lived than the more common grandiflora, so you can expect a few extra seasons from every plant!

Reaching 18 to 24 inches high and about 18 inches wide, this plant is well-branched, with very large, healthy foliage. Like most Blanket Flowers, it is indifferent to heat, humidity, and even drought (once established in your garden). It doesn't mind seaside locations, favoring both sandy soil and salt spray -- but it doesn't mind heavy clay or dry, dusty conditions either! This native perennial is left alone by most pests and diseases, so nothing gets in the way of its tireless flowering.

We urge you to make 'Ring of Fire' part of your sunny border or best container plantings this season. You will reap the benefits month and after month, and for many years to come. Nothing is easier or more rewarding than a Blanket Flower -- so why not grow the biggest and best? Zones 4-10.