Spintop™ Red Starburst Blanket Flower

Spintop™ Red Starburst Blanket Flower may be the easiest perennial to grow. The large red-and-yellow flowers last for weeks atop compact foliage that stays green for a whole growing season. The smaller size makes this blanket flower perfect for a smaller garden, patio, or deck container garden. This native plant cultivar hasn't lost the power to attract beneficial pollinators and hummingbirds. 

Red Starburst blooms from late spring to late summer with very little maintenance. It is also deer and disease resistant. Blanket flower is a highly drought-tolerant perennial that is great to use in a naturalized wildlife area or as part of a xeric garden plan. Plant Gaillardia with other perennials or use it as an accent for a seasonal mixed planter. Companion plants that are as easy to grow include lantana, coreopsis, lavender, and salvia.

Spintop™ Red Starburst Blanket Flower Care

Plant Red Starburst in a full-sun location that also has well-draining soil. Blanket Flowers grow well in sandy soils with poor nutrition but will adapt to heavier soils that have been amended with compost to make them lighter and better draining. Container-grown plants require excellent drainage and a soil-based potting mix. Add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring at planting time and repot every spring using fresh potting mix. Fertilize blanket flower once in early spring as the new growth emerges.  Use a balanced, granular formulation with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10

Deadhead Red Starburst as the flowers fade. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers and a longer bloom time. No pinching is required to maintain the naturally dense branching habit. Leave the top growth on the plant over winter. This provides shelter and food for garden wildlife. Clear away any spent top growth as the new foliage emerges early in the spring. This provides protection and nourishment for garden wildlife. 

Spintop™ Red Starburst Blanket Flower Spacing

Red Starburst stays a dainty 12 inches tall and wide. Space multiple plants 10 - 12 inches apart on the center when planting in the garden. Container-grown plants need at least a 10-inch diameter pot.