The genus Gaillardia is represented by 30 species of annual and perennial plants of the Asteraceae family. Especially good in the south are the varieties of perennial gaillardia, which in modern taxonomy are usually referred to as “G. hybrids”. The exact origin of this hybrid is unknown. It is believed that this name combines hybrids and varieties obtained by crossing “G. aristata” with other species originating from the plains and prairies of the western United States. In an annual crop, “G. pulcella” is more often grown.
The flowers are ligulate, from orange-yellow to brown-red, collected in baskets of inflorescences, up to 10 cm (3.9 inches) in diameter; they bloom from June to cold weather. There are semi-double and double varieties.
Gaillardia is unpretentious: they grow well and bloom in open sunny places, light in composition, fertile, not acidic soils. They are quite drought-resistant, only in hot, dry summers they need moderate watering. Gaillardia does not tolerate excess moisture and manure. It can grow in one place for 4-5 years.
In order for an adult overgrown bush not to disintegrate, it needs to be tied up. In winter, the plants are best mulched.
Propagate gaillardia by dividing the bush (preferably in early spring) and seeds (sown in the open ground in April); give self-seeding.
They are resistant to diseases and pests.
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