Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden

Are you looking for a low-maintenance perennial that can add some vibrant colors to your garden? If so, then the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower might just be what you're looking for! This beautiful plant is known for its bright and cheerful blooms, which come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about this amazing plant, from its history and characteristics to tips for planting and caring for it.

The History and Characteristics of the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower

The Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower, also known as Gaillardia x grandiflora, is a hybrid perennial that was first introduced in the 1980s. It is a cross between two species of blanket flower, Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pinnatifida. The result is a plant that combines the best qualities of both parents, including large flowers and long blooming periods.

One of the most striking features of the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is its bright, bold coloring. The flowers typically have a deep orange-red center, surrounded by golden-yellow petals. They bloom from early summer through fall, providing a long-lasting burst of color in your garden. The plants themselves can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, making them a great choice for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings.

The Best Growing Conditions for the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower

The Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level. If you have heavy or clay soil, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage. This will help prevent root rot and other diseases.

In terms of sunlight, the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for areas with limited rainfall or dry climates. However, be sure to water your plants regularly during their first growing season to establish a strong root system.

Planting and Caring for the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower

Planting the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is easy! Simply dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant's root ball and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently pressing down to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.

Once planted, the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower requires very little care. You can fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer, but it's not necessary. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to form, but it's not required either. The plants are generally disease-resistant and don't attract many pests. However, keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites, which can occasionally be a problem.

The Benefits of Growing Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower in Your Garden

Aside from its beautiful blooms, there are many benefits to growing Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower in your garden. For one, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems. It's also a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much attention, making it perfect for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. Finally, its long blooming period means you'll have plenty of colorful flowers to enjoy throughout the growing season!

Other Varieties of Blanket Flower

If you're interested in growing other varieties of blanket flower, there are many to choose from! Some popular options include:

• Gaillardia aristata: This is one of the parent plants of the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower. It has yellow and red flowers with a cone-shaped center.
• Gaillardia pulchella: Also known as Indian Blanket, this plant has red and yellow flowers that resemble the traditional blankets used by Native Americans.
• Gaillardia pinnatifida: This is the other parent plant of the Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower. It has yellow flowers with a red center and deeply lobed leaves.

Tips for Growing Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower

Here are some additional tips for growing Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower in your garden:

• Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
• Fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer (optional)
• Watch out for aphids and spider mites, which can occasionally be a problem

Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower Companion Plants

The Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower pairs well with a variety of other plants. Here are some great companion plants to consider:

• Coneflowers: These bold and beautiful flowers come in a range of colors and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Black-eyed Susans: These cheerful yellow flowers are easy to grow and bloom from summer through fall.
• Russian sage: This plant has silvery-grey foliage and tall spikes of purple-blue flowers that add height and texture to your garden.

The Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that can add a burst of vibrant color to any garden. Its long blooming period and ability to attract pollinators make it a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. With proper planting and care, your Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flowers will thrive and bring joy to your garden for years to come!

FAQs

1. How often should I water my Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flowers?

During the first growing season, you should water your Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flowers regularly to establish a strong root system. After that, they are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered during dry spells or prolonged periods without rainfall.

2. Can I grow Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower in containers?

Yes, Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

3. How do I deadhead my Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flowers?

To deadhead your Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flowers, simply remove the spent blooms by pinching them off at the base of the stem. This will encourage more flowers to form.

4. Does Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower attract butterflies?

Yes, Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower is known to attract butterflies, along with other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

5. How tall does Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower grow?

Mesa Bicolor Blanket Flower can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings.