Gaillardia pulchella var. picta (Beach Blanket-flower)

Description

This 1′ tall  native species can spread out 2′-3′. It blooms most of the year attracting butterflies and bees. Birds feed on the seeds. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Individual plants are not very long-lived. However, if there is bare ground around them,  you will be blessed with a continuous crop of seedlings. Native to the sand-dunes, they are tolerant of salt spray, dry soil, and high calcium soils.  We propagated our plants from native populations in Colleton County, SC.