Gaillardia (Gaillardia), which is also called Gaillardia or Gaillardia, is directly related to the genus of the Astera family. This genus unites about 25 species. In the wild, such plants can be found in the territory of North and South America. This flower is represented by drought tolerant annuals or perennials. The name of this plant was given in honor of the Frenchman Gaillard de Charentono. He was a philanthropist and patron of botany, and a member of the Paris Academy of Sciences. He lived in the 18th century.
Plant features
Perennial Gaillardia is a shrub about 50–70 cm in size. Curved branchy stems surround lanceolate basal leaves. The diameter of the inflorescence-basket can reach 10-12 cm.
When grown outdoors, flowering begins in mid-summer and continues until frost. A common occurrence is the situation when flowers of different colors are present on the same bush. Often, the edges of the petals are in contrast to the entire inflorescence, most often they are lighter. The freshness of the inflorescences is preserved for a long time even after cutting - even a photo can convey their beauty.
Blooming Gaillardia
Due to the long flowering period, the plant is widely used in landscape design. At the end of flowering, a seed-ball remains in the upper part of the peduncle. The remaining stems are used to create compositions from dry flowers.
Description
Perennial Gaillardia from the Asteraceae family owes its unique name to a patron from France Gaillard de Charento, who was fond of botany.
The culture has chosen the territory of North and South America, and is cultivated on almost all continents, since it is resistant to drought and the ability to develop in areas with frequent temperature changes.
The height of the Gaillardia reaches 1 meter. The stems are densely branched. The leaves, which are oval in shape and serrated edges, are alternately located on the stem. Tall peduncles contain flowers at the top, collected in huge inflorescences. One bud consists of numerous ligulate serrated flowers at the edges.
Varieties
Perennial Gaillardia is considered a hybrid species that has provided the basis for many popular varieties. There is an assumption that the perennial species of the flower appeared as a result of the selection of spinous Gaillardia.
Gaillardia Burgunder
Various plant varieties are used for summer and autumn landscaping. The most widespread are the varieties of spinous Gaillardia:
- Kobold - yellow inflorescences with a red frame;
- Bremen - characterized by a dark copper scarlet color;
- Tokayer - large bright orange inflorescences;
- Goblin is a dwarf variety with flowers in a creamy raspberry color;
- Burgunder - deep red inflorescences;
- Tommy - orange large flowers.
Depending on the type of plant, the height of the bush varies.
Some Gaillardia varieties can be tricolor, where rings of a different color form around the brown or dark purple central disc.
Main types and varieties with photos and names
Among gardeners, Gaillardia varieties, which are both perennial and annual, are very popular.
Gaillardia beautiful (Gaillardia pulchella)
Gaillardia beautiful is most popular among flower growers among annual varieties. The bush of this flower grows sprawling. On the tops of thin and rather high peduncles there are inflorescence baskets, which in diameter can reach from 6 to 7 centimeters. The color of the reed petals is very effective. So, it changes from red-purple or pink-purple at the base to yellow at the tips of the petals. Tubular flowers have a very spectacular color, namely, brown-red. Such a plant has several fairly common varieties:
- Painted (pict) - has very large inflorescences, which can be double or semi-double. Such inflorescences-baskets can be painted in different colors, namely: deep red or yellow-red (two-color).
- Lorenz - Terry inflorescences-baskets have a very large spherical shape. Such inflorescences include yellow-red or yellow tubular funnel-shaped flowers with a serrated limb.
The most popular varieties:
- Red Plume - inflorescences-baskets in this variety are terry. They include tubular funnel-shaped flowers, they have a terracotta color.
- Yellow plum - Terry spherical baskets consist of yellow tubular flowers.
Also, varieties such as Lolipups and Jayeti are quite popular in culture. But one-year-old Gaillardia dull-toothed (Gaillardia amblyodon) does not enjoy such great love of gardeners.
Gaillardia spinous (Gaillardia aristata)
Spinous Gaillardia is a perennial that is relatively popular among gardeners. The homeland of such a plant is North America. Straight shoots are bent at the bottom, and on the surface they have dense pubescence. The height of such a bush can vary from 30 to 75 centimeters. The shape of the leaf plates can be oval, oblong or lanceolate. They are whole-edged or toothed, and there is pubescence on their surface. Stem leaves are sessile, and basal ones are petiolar. Single baskets reach 12 centimeters in diameter. They include variegated and very bright reed flowers, which are most often painted in yellow, orange or copper-red in various shades. The tubular flowers are purplish yellow. Flowering begins in June. It has been cultivated since 1812. Garden forms of this type are united by one name - large-flowered Gaillardia (Gaillardia grandiflora). The most popular varieties are:
- Mandarin - there are reed yellow-red flowers.
- Wirral Flame - there are ligulate red flowers with yellow edging.
- Dazzer - the tips of the reed flowers are yellow, and at the base they are dark red.
Gaillardia hybrid (Gaillardia hybrida)
This species was born due to the crossing of beautiful Gaillardia with other types of Gaillardia. Shoots reach a height of about 0.8 m. Flowering begins in June-August. Baskets-inflorescences can be semi-double, simple and double, and in their color there are predominantly yellow, red and brown color shades. The most popular varieties:
- Primavera - undersized, compact bush in height can reach about 25 centimeters. In total, up to 8 peduncles can form from one outlet, on the tops of which there are large (about 12 centimeters in diameter) inflorescences.
- Arizona sun - a dwarf bush in height can reach only 20 centimeters. It blooms very luxuriantly and for a long time from the beginning of the summer period to the very frost.
- Sonne - the height of the bush reaches from 0.5 to 0.6 m. The color of the reed flowers is golden yellow, while the tubular ones are dark yellow.
Also, sometimes such a perennial species as Gaillardia lanceolata is cultivated.
Reproduction
Flower propagation can be done in several ways:
- Seeds.
- By dividing the bush.
Planting seeds for seedlings is done in April. Seedlings can also be grown in the open field, planting them shallowly in a prepared place. The first shoots appear 14 days after planting. Seedlings need moderate regular watering. It should be borne in mind that the plant has a negative effect on excess moisture. The plant can be planted in a permanent place in August.
Planting seedlings can be carried out immediately on a permanent site, in which case the seedlings, after strengthening the root system, will need to be thinned out. Extracted shoots with intact roots can be planted in a new place.
Reproduction of Gaillardia by self-seeding
Seed propagation requires selectivity in the choice of planting material. It is necessary to leave the achene only on those bushes that, during the entire flowering period, were distinguished by bright saturated inflorescences. Growing Gaillardia from seeds of all specimens present in the garden leads to the appearance of degenerate inflorescences with a pale color.
It is advisable to propagate a flower by dividing in early spring, so that it has time to take root before flowering. As a last resort, the division can be carried out in early September, when the Gaillardia has faded.
The simplest option is self-seeding flower reproduction. To do this, it is necessary to leave several baskets on the stem until the very fall, from which seeds will spill out, which will sprout next spring. Growing flowers as a result of self-seeding requires their timely planting.
Growing Gaillardia from seeds
How to sow
Gaillardia, which is an annual, is grown through seedlings using seeds. They are sown in February or March. Large seeds of the plant should be spread over the surface of damp soil and sprinkled with a thin layer of vermiculite (you do not need to sprinkle it). Containers with seeds must be removed in a well-lit and warm (20 to 23 degrees) place, while protection from direct sunlight is necessary. Moisten the substrate only when necessary. The first seedlings can be seen in 7-15 days.
Seedling
After the first seedlings appear, the container must be rearranged to a cool (from 18 to 20 degrees) place. The best place to grow seedlings is in a cold greenhouse. And that's all, because such a plant requires not only coolness, but also high air humidity. After the appearance of the first pair of true leaf plates, the seedlings should be planted more freely. Watering should be done as soon as the top layer of the soil mixture dries up. The optimal daylight hours for seedlings are from 14 to 16 hours. In this regard, the plants will need additional lighting with fluorescent lamps. Otherwise, lack of light and high humidity can provoke the development of gray rot.
Landing
Perennial Gaillardia is considered one of the most unpretentious plants; planting and care can be performed on any type of garden soil.
Advice! Despite its unpretentiousness, Gaillardia reacts negatively to acidic, excessively moist soil and fresh manure.
When growing a flower in an open field, when planting in a permanent place, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 20-25 cm between each of the plants. Flowering with this method of reproduction will come only the next year.
Planting in early spring does not harm the plant - the seeds tolerate frost well.
Important! Planting seeds immediately in a permanent place should be done at a shallow depth - no more than 1 centimeter. If the seeds are immersed deeper into the soil, they may not sprout.
Before planting a bush, it is advisable to fill the hole with plenty of water.
After flowering
Seed collection
In order to get seeds from your own Gaillardia, you should leave a few wilted inflorescences before the onset of the autumn period. In order for the seeds not to spill out, the inflorescences should be wrapped with gauze, which is fixed on the stem. However, it should be taken into account that plants grown from seeds cannot preserve the varietal characteristics of the parent plant. In this regard, before you start collecting seeds, you need to think about whether you need them.
You don't have to collect seeds. The inflorescences are left, but they are not tied with gauze. Seeds that have fallen to the surface of the soil will sprout with the onset of spring. Seedlings will only need to be thinned out and, if necessary, transplanted.
Wintering of perennial Gaillardia
Before the first wintering, it is necessary to cut off all leaf plates completely flush with the ground surface in young plants. After this, the plants should be covered with dry foliage or covered with spruce branches. For the next wintering, the plants do not need to be covered. It is necessary to shelter Gaillardia annually only if it is cultivated in an area with little snow and frosty winter period.
Further care
More careful care is needed for a young bush. At the end of flowering, you should cut off all the stems and leaves at the root - this way you can extend the life of a perennial flower for a couple of years.
Watering is not a necessary measure - the flower is drought-resistant and tolerates a prolonged lack of moisture.
Gaillardia in landscape design
Caring for an adult plant consists in maintaining its shape - while expanding, the bush can fall apart. To preserve its decorative appearance, it is enough not to tie it tightly with twine or fix it on supports. Such care should be timely - it is advisable to make a garter before the bush grows and the branches sag.
Advice! Growing tall varieties of the plant can be much easier if planted with flowers with sturdy stems such as irises or lilies.
In winter, flowers need extra care. Severe frosts can lead to freezing of bushes, it is advisable to insulate them with old leaves, needles, peat or humus.
Attention! Without a transplant, a flower can stay in one place for up to 5 years. After that, it is better to divide the bush and plant it in another area, otherwise the size of the inflorescences will decrease every year.
Flower care also consists in the timely removal of weeds. This is especially true for tall plants that can shade Gaillardia. It is also advisable to periodically loosen the soil, enriching it with oxygen.
It is advisable to remove wilted flowers immediately after flowering. If you do not cut off wilted inflorescences in a timely manner, this will lead to abundant self-seeding. Self-seeding mass planting can result in the spread of the plant throughout the site.
Answers on questions
How to prune Gaillardia?
Carefully remove only dried vegetative and generative parts of the bush without damaging the main central trunk.
What is the flowering time of Gaillardia?
The flowering time depends on the variety. Perennial mostly blooms almost all summer and the first month of autumn.
To grow a beautiful Gaillardia, you should properly care for it, know how to transplant and protect it from possible dangers. And then the perennial, surrounded by attention, will decorate any local area with bright flowering and elegant appearance.
Fertilization
During the budding of Gaillardia, complete fertilization is required. The introduction of mineral dressing will increase the number of inflorescences. Mineral fertilizer is applied at the rate of 25 g per m2.
Top dressing can be repeated during flowering.
Fertilizer is applied for the last time a month before the onset of stable cold weather.
The cultivation of Gaillardia should be accompanied by regular mulching of the soil with compost. In total, 2-3 such dressings must be carried out during the season.
When and how to plant
There are two methods of planting Gaillardia with seeds: sowing in the ground and using seedlings. The first is practically not used, since the conditions of our climate do not allow the plant to fully develop, and more than half of the seedlings die.
Seedling method
One of the popular methods is seedling, because it guarantees a high percentage of germination, but requires more effort, unlike direct planting into the soil.
Disembarkation
Sowing should be started in early March. To do this, you need to take containers in the form of small containers or pots, fill them with moist soil and distribute seeds over the substrate. Gently sprinkle on top with a thin layer of nutrient soil or vermiculite, which contains such active minerals as potassium, magnesium, silicon, iron.
Storage
Place the material in a lighted place, but also take care of the absence of direct sunlight. The germination temperature of perennial Gaillardia seeds is 20-22 degrees. The sprouts will begin to appear as early as the second week. After the first shoots, move the containers with crops to a cool place, where the air temperature will be no more than 20 degrees.
Moisturizing
Watering is carried out as needed, as soon as the soil is dry, it must be moistened. Do not overfill with Gaillardium to reduce the risk of gray mold infection.
Picking
In the process of growth, seedlings must form new leaves, therefore, provide the plants with enough space for full development. The distance between the shoots should not be less than 5 cm, the rest of the shoots should be moved to separate containers.
The pick is made only after the full development of the first two true leaves.
Transfer
After 2 weeks, harden, leaving perennial Gaillardia in the fresh air for 2-3 hours a day, gradually increasing this period. As the seedlings adapt to outdoor conditions, they can confidently be transplanted into open soil. It is recommended to transplant in the last days of May.
Landing in open ground
Before planting, it will take care of the fertility of the soil. Gaillardia does not develop well on soil with high acidity, which is capable of retaining moisture. The soil should be light, moderately enriched with nutrients and have good drainage.
To properly prepare the soil for planting a crop, you need to enrich it with 1 bucket of humus, ash, as well as 100 g of minerals for each 1 m2 of plot.
The distance between shoots should vary from 20 to 25 cm. The number of seedlings in one hole should be determined depending on the variety. To make the bush lush, it is recommended to plant 2-3 plants in one hole. Moisten the soil after planting.
See also
Planting, growing and caring for garden begonia outdoorsRead
Location and timing
Landing can be done only with the onset of good weather and when the soil is fully warmed up. One of the important features of perennial Gaillardia seeds is their excellent tolerance to low temperatures. But seedlings will begin to form only when it gets warmer.
When choosing a landing site, give preference to sunny, wind-protected areas.
Weeding and loosening
A culture such as Gaillardia is undemanding to care for, but does not tolerate weeds, it must be removed regularly. In addition to weeding, systematically loosen the soil to saturate it with oxygen, which the root system needs for normal growth.
Watering
Watering is needed only in the absence of rain for a long time. The culture does not tolerate stagnant water and excessively moist soils, therefore it is recommended to apply a small amount of water in the dry season.
Garter and seating
You need to get rid of dried leaves and inflorescences in a timely manner, carefully pruning them. Tall varieties require a garter so that heavy stems do not fall apart in different directions and have a well-groomed appearance.
Top dressing
Perennial Gaillardia needs at least three feeding during one season. In this case, it is worth following the feeding schedule:
- During the formation of inflorescences.
- At the moment of flowering.
- A month before the onset of frost.
Humus and complex mineral substances will serve as top dressing; manure cannot be used for such purposes.
Mulching
Gaillardia needs regular soil mulching to enrich it with oxygen and nutrients. This will positively affect the functioning of the root system.
Preparing for winter
Wintering is given to the plant quite simply, since it tolerates well even significant drops in temperature, with the exception of young plantings. Therefore, Gaillardia must be properly prepared for winter, before frosts have time to cover it with foliage.
Post-flowering care
After flowering Gaillardia, cut off the dried buds, fertilize the soil using minerals, and start preparing perennial Gaillardia for the winter period.
Site registration
Gaillardia has found wide application in landscape design. So, it is used for the organization:
- flower beds;
- mixed flower beds;
- border;
- discount;
- alpine slides;
- group landings.
Those who are not familiar with landscape design can simply decorate a section of the local area with Gaillardia - it looks good alone, without additional decoration. Tall plant varieties are grown for cutting - they look good in a bouquet and in a photo.
Flower bed decoration with Gaillardia
An excellent combination of the flower is obtained with other perennials - chamomiles, asparagus and cornflower. Gaillardia also looks impressive in flowerpots and containers. Looks good against shrubs and green lawns.
It is not difficult to start perennial Gaillardia on your site - it does not need regular watering and specific conditions. It is enough to periodically apply fertilizers and timely remove dried inflorescences in order to avoid self-seeding.
Diseases and pests
With proper planting and adherence to all aspects of care, Gaillardia can resist disease and pests well. The cause of diseases is considered to be waterlogged soil and shade.
Prevention is simple enough: cultivate Gaillardia in the right place, providing it with space and adhering to the irrigation conditions.
Powdery mildew
A white bloom forms on the vegetative parts of the plant, leading to its gradual wilting.
White rust
In the first stages, a white bloom appears, which acquires a reddish tint.
Aphid
The pest pierces the epidermis of the plant and sucks out the juices, this prevents the perennial from fully developing.
Whitefly
A small white midge feeding on flower sap is considered a carrier of various viruses and infections.
Disembarkation
Gaillardia is photophilous and needs sunny areas. Also, the shrub does not like excess moisture and acidic soil. Light soil is optimal.
Before planting, the soil is dug up and moistened. The following mixture should be added to the prepared wells:
- compost;
- humus;
- mineral fertilizers;
- wood ash.
The bushes are planted with a distance of 35-40 cm, after planting, abundant watering is required.
Advice!
To achieve a more luxuriant look, it is possible to plant from 2 to 4 bushes in one hole.
The healing properties of Gaillardia
Elderberry black Aurea: description and characteristics of the variety
Gaillardia is not included in the lists of medicinal plants, it is not used in medicine, so it makes no sense to harvest the plant for future use. It is also not eaten in any form.According to the description of the chemical composition, flowers are used only as a decorative decoration for garden and backyard plots. They have no medicinal properties.
The healing properties of Gaillardia
Sowing beautiful Gaillardia for seedlings
The seed sowing sequence is as follows: Containers, boxes or other containers are filled with soil, which must be well moistened. Sowing is carried out in February-March superficially: the ground is lightly sprinkled with vermiculite. They try to distribute the seeds evenly over the surface. The containers are placed in a bright room at t = + 20-23C, periodically moistening the soil. Cover with glass or foil to create a greenhouse effect. Shoots appear after 2 weeks, which are covered from direct sunlight or transferred to a cooler place. A greenhouse with high humidity and moderate temperatures is suitable. Seedlings dive in the 3-leaf phase into separate cups, provide moderate watering and light for 14 hours. The duration of daylight is long, so it is advisable to install fluorescent lamps. In low light and high humidity, small seedlings can develop gray rot.
Watering frequency and water quality requirements
Young plants are often watered - even once a day if the summer is dry. About 1.5-2 liters of water are poured under one bush. Water in the evening or early morning before sunrise. Water is taken from a barrel, where it should settle for 1-2 days. It is better not to use cold tap water. Rainwater is also suitable for watering.
Important! Pour directly into the root hole. To do this, use an ordinary mug or jar, it is better not to use a watering can, since water should not get on the leaves.
Application in landscape design
Due to the bright color of the petals and the many different shades of inflorescences, Gaillardia is actively used to decorate flower beds, flower beds and park areas. Most often, two or three-color varieties of bright color are used, since flowers can shade a green lawn or hedge.
Growing in a flowerpot
The plant can be grown both separately in large flowerpots or containers, and used in group plantings. Best of all, Gaillardia is combined with phlox, chamomile or astilba on a large lawn, and a small flower bed.
Origin and history of the plant
Gaillardia belongs to a well-known family, which includes 1/10 of all ornamental flowering plants on our planet. These are the closest relatives of chrysanthemums, asters, sunflowers, gerberas and dahlias. Under natural conditions, it is widespread in the southern latitudes of North America. In the states of Oklahoma and Texas, it is found everywhere.
In open places, flower carpets of the "sun flower" are found along railways, in large meadows, pastures, and beaches. The Gaillardia bloom on the prairie is like a fire, so in English the plant is called "firewheel" or "wheel of fire." She is the official flower symbol of the state of Oklahoma, which was noted in the 1985 Constitution of the state.
The legend about this flower is also known. In a certain kingdom lived a needlewoman-weaver who created such beautiful carpets that people from other countries came to admire the amazing beauty and buy a carpet to decorate their home.
A beautiful overseas flower associated with legends and legends
And on the next street there lived a girl who was not distinguished by any external remarkableness or special talents. But her envy of her lucky neighbor knew no bounds. She also tried to weave carpets, but terrible and gloomy patterns came out from under her hands, which only frightened people.
And then she decided to kill her neighbor. Because of her witchcraft, the hands of the clever weaver were numb, she could no longer create such beauty. And soon she fell ill and died.People came to her grave to remember the talented person and were amazed: the whole grave was covered with a carpet of bright red flowers that blazed like fire.
People began to take shoots of an amazing flower with different bright colors and create flower carpets near their homes. So the memory of the good needlewoman, the weaver, who gave people joy, has been preserved.
American Indians made up their legends about the flower. They claimed that Gaillard's petals used to glow with a bright yellow halo. They were used by women from the Atzec and Maya tribes to decorate their hairstyles during religious holidays or rituals. When the Spaniards came to the land of the Indians, who burned the huts of local residents and shed "rivers of blood", the flower was painted with shades of red and burgundy tones.
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See also: Perennial flowers (33 main species): garden catalog for a summer residence with photos and names | Video + Reviews
Gaillardia - herbaceous plants for open ground
People call this plant "the sun", and all because of its bright color. It is characterized by long flowering, and in one place Gaillardia can grow for about 4-5 years. The flower can be planted in mixborders, for flower beds, alpine slides and rabatoks. The main varieties of perennial Gaillardia:
- Beautiful.
The height of the bush is 1.5 m.The petals of the flower are purple, and at the edges they are yellow. Flowering lasts all summer. - Spinous.
Tall perennial with large inflorescences that can be yellow or purplish yellow. - Hybrid.
A hybrid of the first two varieties, which has yellow and brown flowers. A tall plant blooms for 2 months. - Lanceolate.
The perennial grows up to 60 cm in height. Its stem is branched, and the inflorescences are yellow or red.
Fertilizing and feeding Gaillardia
It is necessary to feed the perennial three times a season: at the beginning of the budding phase, in the summer during the period of active flowering (July-August) and in late autumn after the complete cut of the peduncles (late September - early October) three to four weeks before the first frost. Mineral complex fertilizers intended for flowering plants, compost, humus should be applied under the bushes.
Mulching the soil around Gaillardia
Attention: manure as a top dressing for Gaillardia is categorically not suitable.
