Blanket flower (Gaillardia ‘Goblin’)

Gaillardia 'Goblin' is a compact blanket flower cultivar with red flowers tipped in yellow and a typical height of about 10–14 inches. It is commonly grown as a short-lived perennial in sunny, dry garden settings.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' needs full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun generally supports stronger stems and heavier flowering.

Yes, Gaillardia 'Goblin' is drought tolerant once established. Water it regularly during its first growing season, then allow the soil to dry between deep waterings.

Water Gaillardia 'Goblin' when the soil has dried several inches below the surface rather than on a fixed schedule. Established plants usually need supplemental water only during prolonged heat or drought.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' typically grows about 10–14 inches tall and forms a compact mound. Exact size varies with soil, sunlight, moisture, and growing conditions.

Plant Gaillardia 'Goblin' in a hot, open location with full sun and fast-draining soil. It works well in front-of-border plantings, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, and containers.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' prefers sandy or loamy soil that drains quickly and is not overly rich. Heavy, wet soil is a major cause of poor growth and winter loss.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' can grow in clay only if drainage is substantially improved. Amend the planting area, use a raised bed or berm, or choose a container if water remains trapped around the roots.

Yes, Gaillardia 'Goblin' grows well in a container with drainage holes and a porous potting mix. Avoid oversized pots and keep the mix from staying consistently wet.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' is commonly listed as hardy across approximately USDA Zones 3–10, although survival depends heavily on winter drainage and local conditions. In cold or wet climates, raised planting improves its chances.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' usually needs little or no fertilizer when grown in reasonably fertile soil. Excess fertilizer can produce weak, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

The most common cause of Gaillardia 'Goblin' decline is soil that stays too wet, especially through winter. Poor light, root rot, severe overcrowding, and aster yellows are additional possibilities.

Yellow leaves on Gaillardia 'Goblin' often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Yellow, distorted growth with greenish flowers may indicate aster yellows, in which case the plant should be removed.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and aster yellows. Good air circulation, full sun, careful watering, and removal of infected plants help reduce problems.

Deer and rabbits generally avoid Gaillardia 'Goblin', although browsing can still occur when food is scarce. No plant is completely resistant in every garden.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' is often a short-lived perennial, commonly lasting only a few years even with good care. Excellent drainage, restrained watering, and occasional self-seeding can help maintain a planting.

Plant Gaillardia 'Goblin' outdoors after the danger of hard spring freezes has passed and the soil can be worked. In mild regions, fall planting is also possible when the soil is well drained.

Space Gaillardia 'Goblin' plants about 12–18 inches apart, depending on the desired density and the local listing for mature spread. Adequate spacing improves air circulation and reduces crowding.

Yes, Gaillardia 'Goblin' is a seed-propagated cultivar and can be grown from seed. Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the average last frost or sow outdoors after frost when the soil is workable.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' may bloom during its first year when started early, but flowering time varies with temperature, light, and sowing date. Plants generally flower sooner from nursery-grown starts than from late-sown seed.

Propagate Gaillardia 'Goblin' primarily by seed, because it is an older seed-propagated cultivar. Division is also possible for established plants, but seedlings may not reproduce every characteristic exactly.

Yes, divide established Gaillardia 'Goblin' in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. Division every few years can renew an aging clump, but plants may still be relatively short lived.

Yes, Gaillardia 'Goblin' can self-seed when spent flowers are left to mature. Remove seed heads if you want a tidier planting or more control over where seedlings appear.

Deadheading Gaillardia 'Goblin' is optional but helps keep the plant tidy and can encourage additional flowers. Leave some spent heads in place if you want self-sown seedlings or seeds for wildlife.

Cut Gaillardia 'Goblin' back after flowering or in late fall, depending on your preference for winter appearance and wildlife value. In cold climates, leaving some stems until late winter can provide modest protection and habitat.

No documented toxicity was found for Gaillardia 'Goblin', but available evidence is limited and plant identification can be uncertain. Prevent pets and children from eating garden plants, and contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if ingestion causes symptoms.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' usually begins blooming in early summer and can continue through much of the summer, sometimes until the first fall frost. Regular deadheading can extend the display.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' produces daisy-like flowers with predominantly red rays and yellow tips surrounding a darker central disk. The flat, strongly bicolored blooms are a key feature of this cultivar.

The most likely causes of poor flowering are insufficient sun, excessive fertilizer, overwatering, or a plant that is stressed by poor drainage. Move or improve the site if it receives less than 6 hours of direct sun.

Yes, Gaillardia 'Goblin' flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects. Leaving some flower heads to mature may also provide seeds for birds.