Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower
Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower
Rich Solid-Red Daisies That Never Quit
Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Red Shades') trades the usual gold edging for deep, saturated red flowers that glow from early summer to frost on a compact, well-behaved plant. Like the rest of the group, it descends from the cold-hardy native prairie blanket flower and laughs at heat, drought, and poor soil while feeding pollinators all season. A bold front-of-border choice for sunny beds in Eagan, Shakopee, and Blaine.
Arizona Red Shades Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Red Shades' |
| Mature Size | 10–12 in. tall, 12–14 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Early summer until frost |
| Flower Color | Rich solid red |
| Soil | Prefers lean, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if not waterlogged |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 3; best with sharp winter drainage |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses
Bold front-of-border color: The solid-red blooms make a strong statement massed in drifts of three to five. Deadhead to keep them coming.
Pollinator and hot-spot gardens: Thrives in reflected heat near driveways and walks while drawing bees and butterflies. Pair with yellow coneflower, catmint, and ornamental grasses.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. It establishes fast; sharp drainage maximizes winter survival.
How to Plant Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, amending heavy clay with compost or grit. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 12–14 inches apart.
Watering Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Very drought-tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — despite the 'Arizona' name, it's hardy to zone 3. Sharp drainage and dry winter soil improve its return.
Q: How do I keep it blooming?
Deadhead spent flowers — it blooms from early summer to frost.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely touch it.
Q: Does it tolerate clay?
Yes, provided the soil drains and isn't soggy in winter.
You May Also Like
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator partner with the same sun-loving toughness.
Yarrow (Achillea): Flat-topped blooms for hot, dry borders.
Catmint (Nepeta): Cool blue spikes to set off the solid-red daisies.
How Many Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower Do I Need?
Space plants 12–14 in. apart and mass in drifts of 3–5 for the strongest color. Quick estimate by bed run:
| Bed Length | Plants Needed |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 10 plants |
| 20 ft | 19 plants |
| 30 ft | 28 plants |
| 40 ft | 38 plants |
For containers or hot curbside strips, group 3 for an instant pop.
Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A low mound of gray-green foliage establishes quickly once the soil warms.
- Summer: Deep, saturated solid-red daisies open nonstop from early summer, thriving in heat and reflected sun.
- Fall: Keeps blooming right up to hard frost if deadheaded; bees and butterflies work it all season.
- Winter: Dies back to a basal rosette and rests; sharp winter drainage is the key to its return.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Deer-Resistant
Plant It With
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — golden daisies that contrast the solid red.
- Aloha Coneflower — bright yellow blooms for a warm, sunny combination.
- Little Bluestem — native grass for an airy prairie backdrop.
- Marvel Rose Salvia — rose-pink spikes that pick up the red tones.
Is Arizona Red Shades Blanket Flower Right for Your Yard?
It loves full sun and lean, well-drained soil — perfect for hot, dry borders, slopes, and reflected-heat strips by drives and walks. Deer and rabbits leave it be. Not a fit for rich, wet, or shaded ground, where it stretches, flops, and rots over a soggy winter.