Gaillardia perennial: planting and caring for a flower

Gaillardia is a perennial herb most commonly grown in open ground. Bright, fiery red or ginger flowers of Gaillardia are a decoration of the garden area. It is undemanding to growing conditions, takes root well in the ground, rarely gets sick. It is the perfect plant for lazy flower growers.

Botanical description

There are 28 plant species in the Gaillardia genus (Astrovye family), among which there are annual, biennial and perennial grasses and shrubs. The homeland of the flower is America.

Gaillardia hybrid

In most perennial varieties, the stem reaches a height of 1 meter. Leaves are light green, elongated, flowers of mixed color. One part of the petals is red (dark pink), and the other is yellow. In this case, the sequence of alternation of the pattern depends on the type. The edges of the petals are serrated, the core of the flower is burgundy, but its very center is green. The petals are arranged in 2 rows. The root is elongated, the stem is pubescent.

Types and varieties of perennial and annual Gaillardia: spinous and others

It is visually difficult to distinguish between hybrid, perennial and annual varieties, they are very similar. But more than 7-9 varieties of perennial Gaillardia are popular, which simplifies the task of a novice florist. These varieties are: Gaillardia varieties of Lorenziana, Gaillardia varieties of large-flowered, Gaillardia varieties of Lorenziana, Goblin varieties, Arizona Sun, Sunshine, Shades, Amber.

Gaillardia hybrid (Gaillardia hybrida)

The ancestors of this species are the North American wild-growing Gaillardia. It is grown as a biennial bicolor plant, but some varieties sprout and bloom for 3-4 years after planting. Shoots reach a height of 1.2 meters, rooted well and deeply. The flowers of the hybrid Gaillardia are bright yellow-red, the stem and leaves are pubescent. Blooms in early July and blooms until the first September frost.

Gaillardia beautiful (Gaillardia pulchella)

Another name - "Krasava", is a medium-sized annual, the stem of which stretches to a height of 40 to about 60 cm, it is rigid, covered with almost invisible fuzz. The length of the leaves is 10-12 cm. The flowers of Gaillardia are beautifully painted in lilac, yellow and dark burgundy colors, they can be simple, double or semi-double. Blooms from July to September.

Lanceolate or obtuse (Gaillardia lanceolata)

Lancenta Gaillardia is a small bush, up to 50 cm high. Stems are straight, leaves are oblong, light green with a gray dusting. Peduncles in their upper part are covered with a large number of fluffs. The color of the petals can be different, there are bushes of this variety with yellow, red-yellow, red-orange and purple flowers.

Gaillardia Arizona Red Shades

A winter-hardy bush that tolerates summer heat well.The height of Gaillardia Arizona is on average 30-35 cm. The flowers are large (12 cm) terracotta-red, the leaves are dark green. Blooms in June and does not stop flowering until September.

Plant in summer

Gaillardia spinous

Spinous Gaillardia is a perennial, up to 0.75 m high with erect, bending down shoots in the lower part. The leaves are elongated, pubescent, their edges are whole or serrated, the leaf blade itself is lanceolate or oval. The diameter of the flowers of perennial spinous Gaillardia is 10-12 cm. The central flowers are tubular, most often they are yellow, but there are red, red-yellow, pure red and other shades.

Gaillardia Burgundy

The sprawling bush of Gaillardia burgundy needs support. Stems are erect, leaves are long, dark green, smooth. The flowers are large, 12-14 cm in diameter, the petals are bright red wine color. Blooms in June-July.

Use in landscaping and combination with other colors

Gaillardia, whose long-term planting and care is described below, is often used in landscaping. The plant looks great surrounded by white daisies, asters and other garden flowers. The bushes are compact, do not grow and do not interfere with other plants in the garden.

Some varieties of Gaillardia look more like wildflowers than cultivated flowers, so they can be planted next to such plants:

• cornflowers;
• bells;
• marigold;
• aconites;
• delphiniums;
• non-flowering herbs;
• undersized sunflower varieties.

Bushes can be planted in wicker baskets, fenced off with intricate fences, placed in wooden boxes. Low-growing varieties can be planted in flower beds (especially the Gaillardia kobold variety) and on alpine slides.

Neighborhood with other plants

Preparation of perennial Gaillardia for planting in open ground

Transplanting and planting of new adult Gaillardia in open ground is carried out in the spring - around April, or in the fall - at the end of September. When growing Gaillardia from seeds, when to plant it from a pot into the ground, it can be determined by the number of leaves. Three or four is enough for the plant to be recognized as viable and ready for a change of scenery.

Seedlings are planted in the ground from pots in August-September. It is better not to do this in the spring. The planting site is cleared of weeds, dug up and fertilized with a mixture of fertilizers.

For fertilizing a plot with an area of ​​1 sq. m. leaves:

• 1 bucket of compost;
• a handful of superphosphate;
• 2 handfuls of ground wood ash.

How to plant this beautiful flower

Gaillardia is planted in the ground in the morning or evening after sunset. Procedure:

1. A hole is made in the ground, up to 30-40 cm deep. The depth depends on the size of the root system, if there are few roots, then the hole may be small.
2. Fill the hole with water.
3. Fertilize.
4. Wait until the water is absorbed.
5. A plant previously removed from the pot is planted in a hole in the center.
6. Fall asleep with earth.

Excess moisture - a decrease in the number of peduncles

Growing by sowing seeds in the ground

Gaillardia seeds are harvested after the plant has completely faded and even dries up a little. Dry buds are carefully cut with scissors and placed in a linen bag. It is hung out on the street, but not in direct sunlight, and left in this position for 1-2 weeks. During this time, the seeds should dry out, ripen and come out of the boxes holding them in the bud.

Seeds are planted in boxes in February-March.Direct planting in the ground is carried out in late autumn, but before severe frosts or in spring - at the end of April - May, as soon as the air temperature rises above 15-17 degrees. The disembarkation time depends on the climatic conditions in a particular region. Before sowing, the soil is pre-fertilized with sand and wood ash.

Gaillardia is sown in long furrows deepened with a hoe or in holes. The first shoots should appear no earlier than 1.5-2 weeks. After planting, the holes can be watered, but carefully, taking care that the water does not wash the seeds out of the ground.

Vegetative propagation

Woody plants reproduce in several ways:

• dividing the bush;
• cuttings;
• layering;
• root suckers;
• vaccination.

Gaillardia is propagated exclusively by dividing a bush or by rooting a stalk.

By dividing the bush

The easiest way to propagate Gaillardia is by dividing an adult bush into several small bushes. This allows not only getting new plants, but also renewing old ones. One medium-sized bush can be divided into 3-4 parts. A gardener who has done this in the fall will receive several full-fledged shrubs ready for flowering in the spring.

It is possible to propagate by dividing the bush in the spring, but in this case, the renewed plant and young bushes may not bloom. With this method of reproduction, the main thing is not to damage the roots and keep their number sufficient for the full growth of the flower. After planting in the ground, young plants are watered abundantly.

Cuttings

In the spring (March-April) cuttings 5-10 cm long are cut. In order for the cutting to take root, it is placed in a glass of water for 1 day, after which it is planted in a pot with fertile soil or a box. This is not a very convenient and reliable way of obtaining young seedlings, since no more than half of all cuttings planted in the ground are rooted.

Soil for plants

Gaillardia grows well in any light soil, but does not tolerate acidic soils. If the soil is too acidic, the plant does not develop well, does not bloom, it is almost impossible to propagate and root it. Also, the flower does not like excessively moist soils, so the bushes are planted away from those plants that love moisture and need regular abundant watering.

Any soil will do, but it is best to take land for planting from the forest or pour some black soil into the hole.

Choosing a place on the site

Gaillardia is planted in well-lit, weed-free areas. Light is a key requirement, fulfilling which you can count on abundant flowering and growth. Bushes should not be shaded by other plants, otherwise, gailarlia, planting and caring for which must be carried out correctly, will die.

Best of all, Gaillardia, the flower of which can be used to create a beautiful bouquet, feels at higher elevations. If there is no opportunity to plant it on a hillock, then drainage is placed in each hole before planting a flower there. This will protect the plant from the negative effects of a large amount of moisture.

Watering frequency and water quality requirements

Young plants are often watered - even once a day if the summer is dry. About 1.5-2 liters of water are poured under one bush. Water in the evening or early morning before sunrise. Water is taken from a barrel, where it should settle for 1-2 days. It is better not to use cold tap water. Rainwater is also suitable for watering.

Preparing for winter

At the end of September, the entire aerial part of the plant is cut off at the root, leaving columns no more than 3-5 cm high.Pruning helps to extend the life of the bush, after which Gaillardia blooms more profusely, the buds that appeared the next year after the procedure are larger in diameter, brighter, like the entire bush as a whole.

Gaillardia tolerates winter well. But young perennial plants before severe cold weather need to be covered with coniferous paws, brushwood, peat, hay or straw, non-woven covering materials that can maintain the air temperature necessary for the plant.

Annual Gaillardia diseases and pests

Gaillardia is often sick. The development of diseases and the appearance of pests is facilitated by improper care - planting in the shade, abundant and untimely watering. Plants have the worst case in rainy and cold summers.

Whitefly

Most often, Gaillardia has to be treated for the following diseases:

• Gray rot. The lower leaves darken, curl up and dry out. If you leave this unpleasant symptom of the disease unattended, then the upper part of the bush and buds will similarly await. Ultimately, Gaillardia will die. To combat gray mold, insecticides are used. Damaged plant parts are removed regularly.
• White rust. The main symptom of the disease is white bloom on the leaves. It may appear on both sides at first as a small spot, but gradually spread to the entire leaf, changing its color to brown. At first it looks like mold, but as the disease spreads, the mold takes on the appearance of cotton wool.
• Powdery mildew. The leaves are covered with a white, flour-like bloom. The reason for the development of the disease is frequent watering and the presence of a large number of weeds on the site.

They fight diseases by spraying flowers with such fungicides as: "Topaz". "Stroby", "Maxim". Experienced gardeners also recommend using various biological agents, such as "Abiga-Peak", "Alirin B".

Aphid

Weakened plants are often attacked by aphids and whiteflies. A solution of nettle helps to cope with aphids, they are sprayed with infected plants about 1-2 times a week. "Tanrek" or "Fitoferm" help to get rid of whiteflies.

Gaillardia is a beautiful flowering plant that can often be found in private households and on roadsides. It grows quickly, multiplies well, including seeds, pleases with a long and abundant flowering from July to the end of September. If Gaillardia is properly cared for, then it almost does not get sick, and fungicides will reliably protect it from aphids and other pests. Blooming Gaillardia is a decoration of any garden.