Gaillardia multiceps Plant Care
Gaillardia multiceps Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gaillardia multiceps, the onion blanketflower, is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to the southwestern United States.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Gaillardia multiceps?
Plant Gaillardia multiceps in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Gaillardia multiceps Native To?
What Is the Gaillardia multiceps?
Gaillardia multiceps (Gaillardia multiceps) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gaillardia genus. Gaillardia multiceps is native to the southwestern United States.
Gaillardia multiceps displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Gaillardia multiceps produces colorful daisy-like flowers in red, yellow, and orange hues.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gaillardia multiceps?
Water a young or newly planted Gaillardia multiceps every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Gaillardia multiceps Need?
Gaillardia multiceps thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gaillardia multiceps Prefer?
Gaillardia multiceps tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Gaillardia multiceps prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gaillardia multiceps?
Well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gaillardia multiceps to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gaillardia multiceps?
Feed Gaillardia multiceps every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Gaillardia multiceps?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Gaillardia multiceps is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Gaillardia multiceps?
Gaillardia multiceps can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Gaillardia multiceps?
Prune Gaillardia multiceps while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Gaillardia multiceps in Winter?
Gaillardia multiceps is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Gaillardia multiceps?
Gaillardia multiceps can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian blanket plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gaillardia multiceps Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gaillardia multiceps, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Gaillardia multiceps?
Gaillardia multiceps is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gaillardia multiceps Need?
Gaillardia multiceps grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Gaillardia multiceps is native to the southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Gaillardia multiceps as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Gaillardia multiceps is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Gaillardia genus — compare its care with other Gaillardia species on PlantoScan.
Gaillardia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Gaillardia multiceps thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gaillardia multiceps Greene, family Asteraceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 24(11): 512 (1897)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gaillardia multiceps, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
