Gaillardia Grandiflora Arizona Sun
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun'
This award-winning blanket flower captivates with fiery red petals tipped in golden yellow, creating a stunning sunset effect in the garden. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and long-blooming, it attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while requiring minimal care. Perfect for xeriscaping and wildflower gardens where bold color is desired.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
18-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Gaillardia Grandiflora Arizona Sun in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Gaillardia Grandiflora Arizona Sun · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Hairy achenes form from the disc flowers
Type: Achene.
Bloom time: Gaillardia aestivalis Native herbaceous perennial Gaillardia aristata Herbaceous perennial; yellow flowers with red centers. Gaillardia pulchella Annual or herbaceous perennial; ray flower red with yellow tips; disk flowers red. Gaillardia 'Tizzy' Herbaceous perennial; ray flowers red and converted into trumpet shape. Gaillardia x grandiflora Short-lived herbaceous perennial; ray flower red with yellow tips; disk flowers red., Gaillardia aestivalis, Gaillardia aristata, Gaillardia pulchella, Gaillardia 'Tizzy', Gaillardia x grandiflora
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cut Gaillardia Arizona Sun flowers should be placed immediately in cool water and stored at 60-65°F for optimal vase life. Recut stems under running water and change vase water every 2-3 days to extend freshness up to one week.
For dried arrangements, harvest flowers at peak bloom and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Flowers dry completely in 2-3 weeks, retaining much of their vibrant color. Air-dried Arizona Sun creates excellent everlasting arrangements and potpourri.
Press individual flowers between absorbent paper for craft projects, maintaining their distinctive sunset coloration. Seeds can be collected from spent flower heads left on plants until completely dry and brown, then stored in paper envelopes in a cool, dry location for up to 3 years.
History & Origin
Origin: North and South America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rabbits, Salt
- +Attracts: Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in., Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- +Wildlife value: Bees and butterflies visit the flowers
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Similar drought tolerance and attracts beneficial pollinators while repelling pests
Black-eyed Susan
Complementary bloom times and shared preference for full sun and well-drained soil
Salvia
Attracts beneficial insects and has similar water and light requirements
Marigold
Natural pest deterrent that repels harmful insects while attracting pollinators
Coreopsis
Similar growing conditions and extends the flowering season with complementary colors
Sedum
Excellent drainage companion that shares drought tolerance and attracts butterflies
Purple Coneflower
Native prairie companion with similar sun and soil needs, attracts beneficial insects
Ornamental Grasses
Provides structural contrast and wind protection while sharing low water requirements
Keep Apart
Impatiens
Requires consistently moist soil and shade, opposite of Gaillardia's drought tolerance needs
Hostas
Shade-loving plants that compete poorly in full sun conditions Gaillardia requires
Astilbe
Needs consistently moist, rich soil and partial shade, incompatible with Gaillardia's dry conditions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases, very hardy
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites (rare)
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly drained soils, powdery mildew in humid conditions