FloridaLandscapeIQ
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida #1

Blanket Flower — South Florida Plant Guide

Gaillardia pulchella

Family: Asteraceae · Groundcover

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

coastal bufferwildflower meadowdune plantingbutterfly gardenrestorationnaturalistic garden

Style Tags

florida nativecoastalnaturalisticwildflowerbutterfly friendly

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Water Requirements

Low1/10

Once established (12–18 months), Blanket Flower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Highly drought tolerant. Water 1-2x per week during establishment only (first 3-4 weeks). After establishment, no supplemental irrigation in South Florida — coastal rainfall is sufficient. Overwatering in poorly drained soils causes root rot. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native.

Soil and Fertilization

sandycoastalwell drainedlimestone

Fertilizer: None — native wildflower requiring no fertilization

Schedule: Not required — coastal sandy soil native. No fertilization recommended.

Salt Tolerance

High (8/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
12 ft
Mature Width
12 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
1/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$
USDA Zones
8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
4/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Blanket Flower at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Blanket Flower grow in South Florida?

Blanket Flower has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Blanket Flower safe for pets?

Yes, Blanket Flower is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Safe for all pet-accessible landscapes.

How much water does Blanket Flower need in South Florida?

Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Blanket Flower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Blanket Flower tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Blanket Flower has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Blanket Flower available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Blanket Flower is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good for Broward County coastal restoration and wildflower garden applications.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good for Palm Beach County coastal and inland sandy landscape applications.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Excellent for Collier County coastal and naturalistic wildflower applications.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good for Keys coastal upland and inland naturalistic plantings.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

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Ask about Blanket Flower

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.