Mesa™ Red Gaillardia

Mesa™ Red is a first-year-flowering blanket flower selected for saturated red daisy blooms and a compact, upright habit. Its color holds through the growing season, making it a useful focal patch in a sunny border or a strong red note among grasses and other warm-season perennials. ## Garden Use PanAmerican Seed lists the PAS933516 plant at about 14–16 inches tall and 20–22 inches wide. Use it in a small drift, a pollinator planting, a cutting bed, or a large mixed container; allow the clump to spread rather than packing it tightly. The breeder lists full sun and USDA zones 5a–10b, while Monrovia lists zones 5–9 for this selection. ## Growing Conditions Set plants in full sun and soil that drains well. Water new transplants while they establish, then water occasionally during dry spells; the breeder describes Mesa as drought tolerant once established. Avoid persistently wet soil, which can stress blanket flowers. Sources: [PanAmerican Seed](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/027700915004463/gaillardia-mesa-red/), [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/mesa-red-blanket-flower.html), [University of Wisconsin Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blanket-flower-gaillardia-spp/). ## Maintenance Remove spent flowers for a tidier display and to encourage more bloom. At the end of the season, cut back old stems after flowering has finished. Mesa plants are short-lived perennials, so allow a few seed heads to mature if you want to try natural reseeding.