Blue Boy Clematis vs Common Gaillardia - TreeTime.ca

Blue Boy Clematis vs Common Gaillardia

Clematis integrifolia Blue Boy

Gaillardia aristata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Blue Boy Clematis
Common Gaillardia

Blue Boy Clematis is a cold-hardy, fast growing, woody climbing vine. Hundreds of stunning steel-blue bell shaped flowers adorn the vine throughout the summer that droop and appear to hang in the air. The fibrous stems spread and create a fan-like symmetry shape.

This species will do best with support from a trellis, fence, or even other shrubs or tree stumps.

The Blue Boy Clematis was developed in Manitoba, Canada in 1947 by famous breeder Frank L. Skinner by crossing C. integrifolia x C. viticella, but it didn’t gain popularity until the 1990’s.

Common Gaillardia is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms. Flower petals vary in color from two-tone blooms with an orange-red center and yellow tips to solid yellow. Blooming from early summer to fall, it provides continuous color while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The seeds also serve as a food source for birds, adding to its ecological value.

Common Gaillardia is easy to grow and can tolerate heat and drought. If flowering slows in the summer heat, cutting back the plant can encourage a new round of blooms in the fall. It is ideal for pollinator gardens, xeriscaping, naturalization projects, and ornamental plantings.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Blue Boy Clematis Quick Facts

Common Gaillardia Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: steel blue
Flowers: orange-red with yellow tips; daisy-like
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Other Names: blanketflower, brown-eyed susan, great blanket flower, great blanketflower, great-flowered gaillardia