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The Indian Blanket.
Guillardia pulchella, is mostly a southwestern and central
U. S. species. Hybrids(an offspring of two plants of different species)
are found eastward to Florida and in very scattered locations through
much of the eastern United States. |
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The Indian Blanket
variety of the Gaillardia has brilliant, daisy-like flowers
with single, double, and semi double forms. The large centers
of the flowers are rose-purple and the dense, frilly petals
are yellow, orange, crimson or copper scarlet. These summer
blooming flowers are 2" to 3" across with 18" to 36" light
green stems and slightly wavy leaves. |
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| Giallardia is as easily grown
as it is beautiful. Once established, plants will tolerate
very dry conditions and grow well so long as they are not
subjected to poorly drained, wet soils or to the shading of
taller plants. Indian blanket is especially adapted to coastal
situations where it contributes to a vibrant display of color
along with such wildflowers as beach-peanu, beach sunflower,
and railroad vine. |
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The ray flowers (that is, the so called "petals"
of the flower head) exhibit considerable variation in color. Some
plants have rays that are mostly red with a yellow tip, others are
essentially half red and half yellow, while still others are mostly
yellow with a red base. |
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Use the slide show on
the right to view close-ups of the Gaillardia's plant
parts including the petals, seeds, fruit, and spores.
The Indian Blanket is the state
flower of Oklahoma! |
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