Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants prefer organically rich, moist soils that drain well, but tolerate some dry soils and drought once established. Plants also generally tolerate heat, humidity and poor soils. Plants may perform poorly in heavy clay soils. Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom and tidy the planting and encourage reblooming. If plants get too leggy and need rejuvenated in summer consider cutting them back to basal growth.
'Oranges and Lemons' is a sterile cultivar.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaillardia is a genus of about 30 species of annuals, perennials and biennials found in West, Central and Southern North America and South America. They are mostly found in open sunny prairie and hillsides. They are grown for their bright flowers.
Genus name honors Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th century French botanist.
'Oranges and Lemons' is a floriferous, long-blooming, perennial blanket flower that was discovered as a chance seedling by Rosemary Hardy at her nursery in Hampshire, England in 2002. Female parent is G. 'Dazzler' and male parent is unknown. From a mound of obovate to oblong-elliptic blue-green leaves (each to 4" long), rise flowering stems to 18-24" tall topped from late spring to fall with a profuse bloom of daisy-like flowers. Each flower (to 2-3" diameter) features bright peach-orange rays with yellow tips surrounding a yellow central cone. Flowers are attractive to butterflies. U.S. Plant Patent PP17,092 was issued on September 12, 2006.
Problems
Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly during periods of protracted heavy summer rains. Susceptible to powdery mildew, aster yellows and fungal leaf spot diseases. Watch for aphids and leafminer.
Uses
Perennial borders, cottage gardens and cutting gardens. Excellent addition to a butterfly garden. Large patio containers.