A strong, well branched plant producing bright red daisy-like blooms with yellow edges and a red central cone. Tolerates poor soil and the hottest sun. Height and Spread 40cm. Flowers June to October. Full sun, free-draining soil. Hardy. Attracts bees and butterflies.
Gaillardia aristata ‘Guapa Flamenco Bicolour’ is a vibrant, sun-loving perennial prized for its striking red and yellow daisy-like blooms and long flowering season. Hardy, low-maintenance and adored by pollinators, Gaillardia is ideal for borders, wildlife gardens and dry, sunny spots. Follow this dedicated guide to help your Gaillardia thrive with strong colour and abundant flowers.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Gaillardia in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish well before the main flowering season.
Autumn: You may also plant your Gaillardia aristata ‘Guapa Flamenco Bicolour’ in early autumn, giving the plant time to settle before winter dormancy.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Gaillardia thrives in full sun. Choose a bright location where it receives direct sunlight for most of the day to maximise flower production.
Soil: Ensure free-draining soil. Gaillardia performs best in poor to moderately fertile soil and dislikes waterlogging. Adding grit to heavy soil can significantly improve drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant pot and the same depth. This gives Gaillardia space for root expansion.
Improve the Soil: Mix in horticultural grit or sand if your soil is heavy. The plant prefers lean soil rather than rich compost.
Planting: Remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill gently and firm the soil.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the soil settle, ensuring good contact with the roots. Allow the area to drain freely.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Gaillardia is drought-tolerant once established. Water only during prolonged dry spells, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during winter. Only water if the soil becomes exceptionally dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a light dose of a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Avoid rich feeding, as Gaillardia flowers best in poor soil.
Mid-Summer: A light, optional feed can support continued flowering but is not normally essential.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
Autumn Pruning: In late autumn, cut back spent stems to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a light gravel mulch around the base to suppress weeds and improve drainage. Organic mulches are less suitable as they enrich the soil, which Gaillardia prefers to be lean.
Winter: A thin mulch of grit can help protect the crown from excessive moisture.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Gaillardia usually remains compact and self-supporting, so staking is rarely needed. In exposed sites, provide support if stems become wind-rocked.
Final Tips
Gaillardia aristata ‘Guapa Flamenco Bicolour’ is a reliable, long-flowering perennial that rewards gardeners with months of fiery colour. Plant it in full sun, keep the soil free-draining, and avoid overfeeding to ensure bold, vibrant blooms through summer and into autumn. Perfect for borders, gravel gardens and pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
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