Mesa Red Blanket Flower: A Stunning Wildflower of the Southwest

The Beauty of Mesa Red Blanket Flower

The Mesa Red Blanket Flower is a beautiful wildflower that is native to the southwestern United States. With its vibrant colors and unique shape, it's no wonder why this flower has become so popular among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes the Mesa Red Blanket Flower so special and how you can incorporate it into your own garden.

What is Mesa Red Blanket Flower?

Mesa Red Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pinnatifida) is a perennial wildflower that belongs to the sunflower family. It's also commonly known as Blanket Flower due to its bright red and yellow petals that resemble a Native American blanket. This flower is native to the southwestern United States and can be found growing in arid regions such as desert slopes, rocky hildes, and grasslands.

The Characteristics of the Mesa Red Blanket Flower

The Mesa Red Blanket Flower grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, forming dense clumps of foliage. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a fern-like appearance. The flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, producing bright red or orange-red petals with yellow tips. They have a distinctive cone-shaped center made up of tiny disc florets that provide an excellent source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Benefits of Growing Mesa Red Blanket Flower in Your Garden

Mesa Red Blanket Flower is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in hot, dry climates. It's also drought-tolerant and can survive in poor soil conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening, where it can be used to add color and interest to a landscape without the need for excessive watering or fertilizing.

How to Grow Mesa Red Blanket Flower

Soil Requirements and Sun Exposure

Mesa Red Blanket Flower prefers well-draining soil that is low in organic matter. It also requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day. If you're planting in heavy clay soil, adding sand or gravel can help improve drainage.

Planting and Watering

The best time to plant Mesa Red Blanket Flower is in the spring after the last frost. You can from seeds or purchase er plants from a garden center. Plant the seeds or er plants about 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Water the plants deeply once a week until they are established, then reduce watering to once every two weeks.

Maintenance and Care

Mesa Red Blanket Flower is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much care once established. Remove any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth. You can also pinch back the stems after the first flush of blooms to encourage more flowers later in the season.

Uses of Mesa Red Blanket Flower

Ornamental Use

Mesa Red Blanket Flower is a popular ornamental plant due to its vibrant colors and unique shape. It can be used as a border plant, ground cover, or in mixed perennial beds. The flowers also make excellent cut flowers, adding a pop of color to any floral arrangement.

Medicinal Use

Mesa Red Blanket Flower has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and stomachaches.

Interesting Facts About Mesa Red Blanket Flower

1. Blanket Flower is the State Wildflower of Oklahoma

In 1986, the Oklahoma Legislature designated Gaillardia pulchella (also known as Indian Blanket) as the official state wildflower of Oklahoma. This species is closely related to Mesa Red Blanket Flower and shares many of the same characteristics.

2. Mesa Red Blanket Flower Attracts Pollinators

Mesa Red Blanket Flower is an excellent source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers also provide habitat for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control garden pests.

3. Blanket Flower Can Hybridize with Other Gaillardia Species

Mesa Red Blanket Flower can hybridize with other Gaillardia species, creating new cultivars with unique flower colors and patterns.

FAQs About Mesa Red Blanket Flower

1. How often should I water Mesa Red Blanket Flower?

Mesa Red Blanket Flower is drought-tolerant and doesn't require excessive watering. Water deeply once a week until established, then reduce watering to once every two weeks.

2. Can Mesa Red Blanket Flower be grown in containers?

Yes, Mesa Red Blanket Flower can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives at least six hours of full sun per day.

3. When is the best time to plant Mesa Red Blanket Flower?

The best time to plant Mesa Red Blanket Flower is in the spring after the last frost.

4. Does Mesa Red Blanket Flower attract pollinators?

Yes, Mesa Red Blanket Flower is an excellent source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

5. Can Mesa Red Blanket Flower be used for medicinal purposes?

Yes, Mesa Red Blanket Flower has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and stomachaches.