Features Gaillardia
Gaillardia (Gaillardet or gayllardiya) belongs to the family of daisies (Asteraceae) slozhnotsvetkovyh. The original home of these plants in Central and South America, where wild flowers grow in the open meadows and prairies. There are about 25 species, but the two most common in our gardens and G. aristata grandiflora G. grandiflora.
Perennials with straight branched shoots reach a height (depending on the type and grade) from 15 to 80 centimeters. Leaves pubescent, oblong-lanceolate. Alternate leaves, length of 5-15 cm and 1-3 cm – gray-green, covered with hairs and quite a variety of shapes and sizes.
On the single long stems arranged inflorescence-baskets with narrow petals, the width of which can be up to 8 cm. The flowers of camomile and similar to painted mainly in red shades with a yellow border. Also found in yellow and orange colors and mixed colors. These beautiful flowers are well tolerated winter conditions, making them suitable for growing outdoors.
Already in the first year the plant has many flowers that bloom from summer to late autumn. Perennial refers to the short-lived species, living in one place for three to five years, and over the years its ability to bloom wanes.
When the flower fades in its place is formed striking a ball which has an attractive appearance. To support the further flowering plants, they need to be removed. For seeds for reproduction, the balls are left before the end of the season in the bush.
Care Gaillarde
Gaillardia grow easily. It can be grown in containers and used as a decoration on the balcony, terrace. Culture is suitable for different types of gardens.
Gaillardia light-requiring, tolerate full sun exposure and cope with a light shading. It should be grown in full sun, then it will bloom long and abundant. If there is not enough light, the flowers on the bush will be less. The place where it will grow Gaillardia, must be protected from the wind, because the stems can break the wind.
Location
Gaillardia prefers dry soil. On wet it lags behind in growth, sometimes lost – it can withstand a little dry, but not too much moisture. To create a uniform moisture content, soil mulch. It will protect the soil from weathering, leaching and winter freezing of the roots, which will guarantee a good development of the plants in the next year.
Additional information!Due to the intolerance of excessive moisture in the soil for gayllardii should be well-permeable. Flower planted in well-drained soil rich in nutrients.
In heavy loam soil Gaillardia not be able to germinate. In the spring of winter moisture will destroy it. In any case, the soil should be well drained to avoid standing water.
Irrigation Gaillardia
The plant responds very well to the watering, but resistant to drought. With a significant water shortage is often lower leaves wither and dry up.
Water the plant if a long period of dry weather was hot, but it should be watered sparingly. Weed and loosen the soil around the roots should be regularly.
FloweringGaillardia lasts more than 8 weeks. To proceed further flowering, remove withered flowers in a timely manner to the main leaf. The flowers are left on the plant until the end of the season to get the seeds. 
Feeding
Flowering perennial plant requires an adequate supply of nutrients. with a high content of potassium and phosphorus. It is recommended that feeding during the appearance of flower buds in the flowering period, and in the fall, about 4 weeks before, when it gets cold.
Multiplication
The easiest way to propagate gaylardiiyu – split beams perennial. To do this, dig up the plant in the spring, but the rhizome is divided with a knife or shovel. Each of delenok must have a certain number of stems and roots. After separation, it blooms and grows again. Regular division is important in any case. Transplant procedure is recommended in spring.
Note!Transplant conducted in the spring, before the end of May. Gaillardia blooms once in the season.
Another method of reproduction is – seeds. We fallen on the soil surface in the garden seeds germinate in spring. Seeds are also a good one for dilution Gaillardia the balcony.
Winter hardiness
In the middle zone Gaillardia quite hardy. In winter, low temperatures do not harm her, and the plant can not freeze. In colder regions, harsh winters, it can freeze solid. In the autumn, before the first frost, cut stems to a height of 15 cm, which is well spend the winter. In the winter, just in case, it is necessary to make a small shelter of leaves. The problem is not the cold, and changeable weather.
Using the Gaillardia in the garden
To achieve the desired aesthetic effect, they should be planted in groups. Plants create an interesting combination with Echinacea, pyrethrum, asters, marigolds, sage and many species of ornamental grasses. Low grade Gaillardia suitable for rockeries.
Pests and diseases
Gaillardia is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. If you violate the rules of care for the flowers can develop gray mold, powdery mildew, white rust. To get rid of such fungal diseases, use of fungicides: bordeaux mixture, colloidal sulfur, oksihom or Topaz.
If powdery mildew lesions need to cut off the affected part of the plant.
Often the plant affected aphids and whitefly.
It is important! Perennials quickly react to waterlogging of root rot. It is necessary to avoid planting in moist soil, and abundant irrigation to soak the ground in time.
Gaillardia popular with gardeners. This plant has a number of fairly common varieties. The first – a badge bristlecone (G. aristata), a short-lived perennial plant, persisting in one place for the entire three to five years. During the first year it produces a large bush, abundantly simple blossoming flowers, interesting color and striking dimensions.
