Spintop Copper Sun Blanket Flower
Spintop Copper Sun Blanket Flower
Glowing Copper-Orange Daisies From Summer to Frost
Spintop Copper Sun Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Copper Sun') lights up the border with large, warm copper-orange daisies on a compact, sturdy plant. Bred from the tough native prairie blanket flower, it blooms relentlessly from early summer to frost while tolerating heat, drought, and poor soil. Its sunset tones glow in sunny beds across Maple Grove, Woodbury, and Eagan and keep pollinators busy all season.
Spintop Copper Sun Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Copper Sun' |
| Mature Size | 10–14 in. tall, 12–14 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Early summer until frost |
| Flower Color | Warm copper-orange |
| Soil | Prefers lean, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if not waterlogged |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to zone 3; best with sharp winter drainage |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses
Warm-toned borders: The copper-orange blooms blend beautifully into sunset-themed plantings. Mass three to five and deadhead for continuous color.
Pollinator and hot-spot gardens: Thrives in reflected heat near driveways and walks while feeding bees and butterflies. Pair with coneflower, ornamental grasses, and Russian sage.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. It establishes fast; sharp drainage is the key to good winter survival.
How to Plant Spintop Copper Sun Blanket Flower
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, amending heavy clay with compost or grit. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 14–16 inches apart.
Watering Spintop Copper Sun Blanket Flower
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Very drought-tolerant — water only during prolonged dry spells.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Hardy to zone 3; naturally short-lived, but sharp drainage and dry winter soil improve its return.
Q: How do I keep it blooming?
Deadhead spent flowers — it blooms from early summer to frost.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits leave it alone.
Q: Does it tolerate clay?
Yes, as long as the site drains well and isn't soggy in winter.
You May Also Like
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator partner for sunny, dry beds.
Russian Sage (Perovskia): Airy blue spires that contrast the copper daisies.
Yarrow (Achillea): Tough, flat-topped blooms for hot borders.