Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Fanfare Citronella’

Description

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Fanfare Citronella’ is a vibrant, long-flowering perennial prized for its tubular sunny-yellow petals, large russet eye, and excellent tolerance of heat and poor soil. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to help your Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Fanfare Citronella’ establish well and perform beautifully throughout the season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Fanfare Citronella’ in spring as the soil begins to warm. This ensures the roots develop strongly before the main flowering season.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also suitable, giving time to settle before winter dormancy and encouraging vigorous growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Gaillardia thrives in full sun. Choose a site that receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct light to maximise flowering and colour intensity.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil and will tolerate poorer soils better than many perennials. Improve drainage by incorporating grit or compost where necessary.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. This encourages the roots to spread outward easily.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter into the planting area to support establishment without creating overly rich soil, which Gaillardia does not require.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface. Backfill and lightly firm the soil.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots, ensuring excess water can drain freely.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Gaillardia is drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a light, balanced fertiliser in early spring to support early growth. Gaillardia does not require heavy feeding.
• Mid-Summer: A small additional feed can help extend flowering into autumn.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage your Gaillardia to keep blooming throughout summer and early autumn.
• End-of-Season Care: In late autumn, cut back spent stems to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while avoiding contact with the crown of the plant.
• Winter: A light mulch can help insulate the roots and maintain stable soil temperatures.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Gaillardia typically holds its form well. However, in exposed sites, a small stake can prevent wind damage.

Final Tips

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Fanfare Citronella’ is a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly perennial that rewards gardeners with months of bright, cheerful blooms. When planted in sunny, well-drained conditions and cared for with simple maintenance, it will deliver long-lasting colour and attract bees throughout the season.