If you are looking for a perennial to grow next year that can give you all season blooming power – then you need to see why planting Blanketflower is the way to go!
When it comes to creating a stunning, low-maintenance garden that bursts with color all summer long, Blanketflower is a perennial plant you simply can’t ignore. With its vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues that look just like a summer sunset, this tough as nails plant is perfect for any garden and any gardener. Even ones that don’t possess a green thumb!
So what makes Blanketflower so incredible? For starters, what sets it apart from many perennials is its uncanny ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Hardy, drought-resistant and deer-resistant, this plant is practically made to bloom all summer – even without great care!
Blanketflower thrives equally well in flowerbeds or containers, making it extremely versatile. All while being extremely resistant to pests and disease. But perhaps best of all – it will bloom profusely from early summer right up until the first frost.
Here is an in-depth look at this wondrous perennial, including how to plant and care for it in your landscape this year!
Blanketflower – Why You Need To Plant The Amazing Perennial That Blooms All Summer!
Planting Blanketflower
One of the best reasons to plant blanketflower is its sheer hardiness. This perennial thrives in growing zones 3 all the way to 10. It truly is adaptable to a wide range of climates and growing conditions.
Although you can plant established plants at any point during the growing season, the best time for planting is in the cooler weather of spring or in early fall. This allows the plant time to establish its roots before extreme temperatures set in.
As for where it grows best, Blanketflower prefers full sun. When planting in flowerbeds or containers, it’s important to make sure it will get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.
Although Blanketflower can thrive in nutrient rich soil, it also can perform just as well in drier areas, rock gardens, or even hillside flowerbeds that often have less than ideal soil conditions. The one thing you want to make sure is that wherever you plant it, the soil needs to be well draining. Although it is a tough plant, Blanketflower does not tolerate standing water well.
Watering & Fertilizing – Why You Need To Plant Blanketflower
When first planting, you will need to water regularly to help the roots establish. But once it establishes in the soil, Blanketflower truly is an incredibly drought-tolerant perennial. Because of that, you will rarely if ever need to water the plant.
When it comes to powering the plant and its blooms – unlike many flowering annuals and perennials that need a large amount of nutrients – Blanketflower simply doesn’t need big doses of fertilizer. In fact, if it gets too many nutrients, it will result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms!
One dose of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring will be more than enough to feed the plant all season long. In place of fertilizer, you can also simply apply a few inches of compost around the plants. The compost will be more than enough to power big blooms all summer.
Deadheading – Why You Need To Plant Blanketflower
The real magic of Blanketflower lies in its ability to bloom all summer long. From early summer through fall, this perennial puts on a show of vibrant, daisy-like flowers that add continuous color to your garden. Color that brings in loads of helpful pollinators. See: How To Plant A Wildflower Patch In The Spring – And Bring In The Pollinators!
However, to maximize its blooming potential, proper deadheading is key. Deadheading simply means removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms. By snipping off the faded blooms regularly, you signal to the plant that it should keep producing flowers instead of focusing its energy on seed production.
This easy task keeps the plant looking tidy. Even more, it all but ensures a continuous display of fresh blooms throughout the growing season. For gardeners who enjoy cut flowers, Blanketflower makes an excellent choice for bouquets. Its bold colors and long-lasting blooms are perfect for adding a pop of color to flower arrangements.
Fall Care – Why You Need To Plant Blanketflower
Blanketflower is a breeze when it comes to fall care. In late fall, simply cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground to prepare the plant for winter. In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing.
Fall is also the perfect time for dividing overgrown plants – allowing you to create even more plants for your flowerbeds. (You can also dig up early in the spring and transplant before the summer season arrives – but fall dividing allows the plant to be ready to bloom right away)
To divide, begin by digging up the mature plant. Take a sharp shovel around the outer edges and dig down three to four inches. It is a shallow growing plant, so it usually lifts quite easily out of the ground.
Use a sharp spade or garden knife to separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and a few stems. Replant the divisions immediately in their new locations, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for growth.
Water the newly divided plants thoroughly to help them establish in their new spots. Dividing Blanketflower not only helps you multiply your plants for free, but it also rejuvenates older plants, keeping them healthy and vigorous. See our article: How To Divide & Transplant Perennials In The Fall – Fill Your Flowerbeds With Plants For Free!
Pests and Diseases – Why You Need To Plant Blanketflower
Fortunately, Blanketflower is deer-resistant, which means it rarely becomes a target for hungry deer. It is actually not attractive to most animals. Its slightly fuzzy foliage and tough stems make it unappealing to wildlife, allowing it to grow and bloom undisturbed.
Beyond being deer resistant, Blanketflower is a relatively disease-free plant, although it can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or aphids. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps to prevent these issues.
With its stunning blooms, hardy nature, and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, Blanketflower really is the perfect perennial. Whether planted in flowerbeds or containers, its cheerful colors and long-lasting blooms will bring joy all summer long!
Simple Garden Life
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