Gaillardia 'Apricot Honey'

Gaillardia 'Apricot Honey' was selected by Rosy Hardy after growing and trialling many seedling-raised Gaillardias at the nursery — rejecting those that didn't meet her exacting standards before this one stood out. Once selected, she spent two years propagating and trialling it before its launch at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018.

It produces large, soft apricot-orange flowers throughout a long season — from early summer right through to autumn — on a compact, bushy, upright plant. Its elegant, free-flowering habit makes it ideal for the middle of a warm, sunny border or in a large container on a sunny terrace.

Gaillardia 'Apricot Honey' is drought tolerant once established, thriving in free-draining soils and sunny positions where many plants struggle. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies throughout its long season, and the flowers last well when cut.

A word of honesty: 'Apricot Honey' is classed as a short-lived perennial, typically giving its best for two to three years — but few plants work harder during that time. Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming, and cut back hard in autumn or early spring.

Hardiness rating: H5 (hardy in most places throughout the UK, even in severe winters).

Want to know more? Read the story behind this plant in The Grower's Notebook.

Height x Spread: 55cm x 55cm