Oranges and Lemons Blanket Flower

‘Oranges and Lemons’ is a long-blooming blanket flower with peachy-orange rays tipped in yellow around a golden center. It forms a low mound and brings warm color to sunny borders, containers, and cut-flower plantings from early summer into fall. ## Site and season Give it full sun and fast-draining soil. This selection is drought tolerant after establishment, and it performs poorly where heavy soil stays wet through winter. Published mature-size estimates vary: [University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blanket-flower-gaillardia-spp/) lists 18–24 inches tall and zone 5a, while [Ball Seed](https://info.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=027700001014302) lists 22–26 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. The [Heritage Perennials profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/gaillardia-oranges-and-lemons.html) describes 16–18 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. ## Garden use The orange-and-yellow flowers suit mixed borders and containers, and their long stems can be cut for arrangements. The blooms attract butterflies; spent flowers can be removed to keep the plant tidy and encourage continued flowering. ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid wet winter soil. Deadheading is optional, but removing faded flowers may prolong the display.