Gaillardia aestivalis var. winkleri ‘Grape Sensation’--One of a Kind Favorite From Beth's Plant Zoo!

Hot Favorite From Beth's Plant Zoo!

 As the weather continues to hold steady with perfect spring temps, I want to start sharing many of my garden favorites that may also become yours as well.

 

“Winkler’s Purple Firewheel”

Gaillardia aestivalis var. winkleri ‘Grape Sensation’

 

Put your dancing boots on friends, this Texas native Blanket Flower is a power house of rare color all summer long. Gaillardia ‘Grape Sensation’ is certainly not the typical orange and bronze coastal flower we are so accustomed to.

This pure purple cultivar resulted from an almost extinct wild flower in Texas, yet this perennial thrives impressively during the hottest summers, with a high drought tolerance. A variety of butterflies grace the large spray of flowers the plant produces, nonstop from Late June to October.

I have several in my garden, one in almost pure sand and another on a well-drained slope, and even with the nasty heat and humidity of August, ‘Grape Sensation’ continued to look fresh in the garden. With resistance to deer and rabbits, plus does not self-sow everywhere like its “Indian Blanket Flower” cousin, this is a “Must Have” perennial that calls for celebration.

Quick Facts & Keys To Success   Common Name: “Purple Blanket Flower”   Botanical Name: Gaillardia aestivalis var. winkleri ‘Grape Sensation’   Varieties/Cultivars to Look For: None- One-of-a-Kind   Color: prominent deep plum centers with softer purple petals   Bloom Period: Late June to November   Type: Herbaceous perennial   Size: 2’ high x 2’ wide   Exposure: Full Sun   Zone: 7-10   When to Plant: Late Spring around in May/June   How to Plant: Amend soil with well drained organic matter and sand. Plant ¼” above soil level from container.    Soil: Sharp drained to sandy type soil, root system dislikes disturbance once established. Is tolerant of beach/shore conditions   Watering: Water until established and during hot summer months of first year   When to Prune: Prune back following heavy freeze.   When to Fertilize: Late Winter (Feb/March)   In the Landscape: Great perennial for a big splash of late summer color when so much has stopped blooming.  Great cut flowers, attracts butterflies and low maintenance. Deer and Rabbit resistant!          Beth BurrellGinter Botanical Garden & University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. WWW.GIVINGTREELTD.COM