Spintop Red Blanket Flower
Spintop Red Blanket Flower
Big, Bold Red Daisies That Bloom Until Frost
Spintop Red Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Red') delivers oversized, deep-red daisy flowers on a tidy, compact plant from early summer all the way to frost. Bred from the tough native prairie blanket flower, it shrugs off heat, drought, and lean soil while feeding bees and butterflies for months. Its rich red blooms make a dramatic statement at the front of a sunny border in Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, or Chanhassen.
Spintop Red Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Red' |
| 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 | Deep red |
| 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
Front-of-border color: Its compact habit and big red flowers make it a standout edger. Plant in drifts of three to five and deadhead to keep blooms coming.
Pollinator and hot-spot gardens: A bee and butterfly favorite that thrives in hot, dry, reflected-heat areas by driveways and walks. Pair with yellow coneflower, catmint, and yarrow.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Blanket flower establishes quickly; sharp drainage maximizes winter survival.
How to Plant Spintop Red Blanket Flower
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with compost or grit for drainage. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 14–16 inches apart.
Watering Spintop Red 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 in prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Hardy to zone 3. Blanket flower is naturally short-lived, but sharp drainage and dry winter soil greatly improve its return.
Q: How do I maximize bloom?
Deadhead regularly — it flowers from early summer to frost when spent blooms are removed.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely touch it.
Q: How is it different from the Arizona series?
Spintop plants carry larger flowers on slightly taller, sturdy stems, while Arizona types are very compact. Both bloom for months.
You May Also Like
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator partner with the same sun-loving toughness.
Yarrow (Achillea): Flat-topped blooms for hot, dry borders.
Catmint (Nepeta): Cool blue spikes to set off the deep-red daisies.