Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata ‘SpinTop™ Red Starburst’

Common Name: Blanket Flower

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–9)

Size: 12–14" Tall × 12–14" Wide

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounded, Well-Branched

Sunlight: Full Sun

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor, Sandy, or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low Once Established; Drought Tolerant

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Deep Red Blooms with Golden Yellow Starburst Centers, Long Bloom Season, Excellent Heat & Drought Tolerance, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Borders, Pollinator Gardens, Containers, Mass Plantings, Hot & Dry Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Gaillardia ‘SpinTop™ Red Starburst’ (Blanket Flower)

Gaillardia ‘SpinTop™ Red Starburst’ is one of the boldest color statements in the SpinTop™ lineup. The flowers feature rich red petals radiating outward from bright golden-yellow centers, creating a striking starburst effect that’s easy to spot from a distance. It’s a great choice when you want strong, energetic color that holds up through summer heat.

Like other SpinTop™ varieties, Red Starburst forms a tight, rounded mound that stays neat instead of stretching or flopping. Blooms start early and keep coming steadily throughout the season, especially with light deadheading. Even during the hottest part of summer, the plant continues to flower rather than fading out or thinning.

This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and actually prefers conditions that are a bit lean. Once established, it handles drought with ease and requires very little intervention. Overwatering or overly rich soil tends to reduce performance, so simple care produces the best results.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

At Garden Delivery, Gaillardia ‘SpinTop™ Red Starburst’ has been exceptionally reliable in hot, exposed trial beds. It maintained strong flower color and a compact habit through peak summer without showing stress or decline. Where some red Gaillardias fade or lose intensity, Red Starburst held its contrast well.

We also like how uniform it is. The SpinTop™ Series delivers predictable shape and bloom coverage, and Red Starburst is no exception. For gardeners who want bold color, strong pollinator activity, and very low maintenance, this is one of the easiest blanket flowers to grow.

SpinTop™ Red Starburst vs. Other Gaillardia

Red Starburst is the boldest and most high-contrast option among the Gaillardias we carry, thanks to its deep red petals and bright golden centers. Compared to SpinTop™ Mango, Red Starbusrt feels more dramatic and energetic, while Mango leans warmer and softer with its orange tones. When placed next to Arizona Apricot, Red Starburst delivers much stronger visual punch, whereas Apricot blends more gently into mixed plantings. Against Arizona Red Shades, Red Starburst typically holds a tighter habit and more consistent flowering, especially through peak summer heat. All four share excellent heat and drought tolerance, but the SpinTop™ varieties tend to stay more uniform and tidy overall. I reach for SpinTop™ Red Starburst when I want unmistakable color that reads clearly from a distance and holds up all season without fuss.