POSTED BY KIM — Do you like yellow and orange in your garden? A lot of times we have to resort to annuals in the garden for constant blooms, and marigolds, dahlberg daisies, and lantana provide a nice, continuous orange and yellow presence. But what if you prefer something a little more perennial?
If you’re not familiar with Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons,’ let me introduce you to this constant-blooming, NO MAINTENANCE, butterfly-attracting perennial that just might become your favorite yellow/orange flower!
One of the best things about ‘Oranges and Lemons’ is you really don’t have to deadhead it. The seed heads are really interesting and only add to the display. Gaillardia like a sunny spot with well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay in your garden, amend your soil with organic material, like compost. Or, when planting, plant high, with the crown of the plant raised an inch or two above the soil line. That will ensure that water drains from the roots. I think one of the worst things for a gaillardia’s survival is wet roots in the winter — that’s the kiss of death.
My ‘Oranges and Lemons’ bloom from May until, well, today! A great performer in the garden.
Seed heads, pretty in their own right.
Bonus pic -- corydalis!
