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Gaillardia must surely be the most agreeable, easy-to-have around plant in cultivation. Like Topsy, it “just grows.” It thrives and faithfully produces bushels of flowers in the severest drought when all the “sissy” flowers – yea, even weeds dry up and blow away. Then it does even better when the rains come.

The plants grow to a height of 2 1/2 to three feet; the daisy-like flowers to about four inches across, in bright colors and combinations ranging from golden yellow to rich mahogany. They require an absolute minimum of care usually one weeding, possibly two at the most in a season. If they are weeded in the spring, thinned a bit, and rearranged so the plants are six to eight inches apart, they will come along nicely, usually crowding or starving out their own weeds.

As cut flowers they are unexcelled, producing one flower to each long graceful stem, which is strong enough to permit considerable manhandling in arrangements. The most freshly opened ones when cut will keep at least a week in the house, and the more you pick, the more they bloom. In that respect, if finished blossoms are clipped the plant will bloom more profusely and look better than if they are left. However, even should they not be trimmed, the plants will continue to bloom from June right up to the deep freeze in November. Light frosts never bother them.

Propagation

Propagation is easy, either by seeds, which germinate quickly and can be planted almost any time during the summer or by division. The best way to divide and it should be done in early spring or early fall – is gently to pull the plants up by the roots after a rain or a soaking with the hose. Separate the individual plantlets and replant. Keep moist and covered from hot sun for a day or two, preferably with pots that can be removed at night, and there you are! New plants. They are completely hardy, needing no winter protection, and seemingly they have no enemies among the insect pests and diseases.

As summer wears on, the bed begins to be a little unkempt. In the beginning the stems stand straight and strong but gradually begin to sprawl until by the end of summer they look like a big basket filled with flowers tossed in willy nilly. They won’t straggle if cut back rather severely, but this reduces the bloom somewhat until they can get started again. However, a plant with so many admirable qualities should certainly be humored in its one fault.
‘Baby Cole,’ claims all the advantages of the older varieties but remains a small compact clump six to eight inches high and a foot across.

As to soil, the experts say light or medium, and rich, but gaillardias will grow in almost any place that isn’t too soggy, so long as they have plenty of sun. Do plant some if only as a relief from fussy flowers that require constant attention.

J Sherwood