Gaillardia ‘Mesa Bright Bicolor’

Gaillardia grandiflora ‘Mesa Bright Bicolor’

Characteristics

Culture

Gaillardia ‘Mesa Bright Bicolor’ plants flower stronger and longer in full sun with moderate water. Plants are tough: they are heat and drought tolerant, and rabbit and deer resistant. Mesa gaillardias are first-year flowering perennials – they bloom continuously from early summer until frost. Plants do not require deadheading to continue to flower; will grow fuller and live longer when old blooms are removed. Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Mesa series gaillardias are among the easiest to grow perennial flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Gaillardia ‘Mesa Bright Bicolor’ flowers are valuable for their very long season of bloom. They form a low mound of light-green leaves, bearing upright stems of large daisy-like flowers. This new midsized selection flowers the first year and features bright yellow petals with a wide red band on the inside surrounding the large brown cone. The width of the band depends on temperature, but the petals will usually be more yellow than red. Attractive to butterflies. Drought tolerant once established.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly during periods of protracted heavy summer rains.

Garden Uses

Mass plantings for beds and borders. Rock gardens. Naturalize in meadows, cottage gardens or native wildflower gardens. Containers.