Gaillardia SpinTop® Mariachi Red Sky

Gaillardia SpinTop® Mariachi Red Sky: Frilly Red Ruffles Dressed for the Show

Rows of curled, fluted red petals tipped in yellow swirl around a dark centre like a skirt mid-twirl. This blanket flower took the basic daisy and added layers. MORE IS MORE, AND IT KNOWS IT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata
• Common Name: Blanket Flower
• Series: SpinTop®, from Dümmen Orange
• Height: 30–35 cm (12–14 in)
• Spread: 30–35 cm (12–14 in)
• Flowers: Semi-double, with several rows of curled, fluted red petals tipped in yellow around a dark centre
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Green leaves in a tight, compact mound
• Features: Long blooming

Where to Plant: Use it near the front of a sunny border or along a hot walkway where the frilly flowers can be seen up close. It's great in containers and pollinator beds.

Companion Plants: Give Mariachi Red Sky a sunny, dry bed with lilac globes, lilac beardtongue and a pink sempervivum. Sempervivum 'Kalinda' tucks in at the front at 10 to 15 cm with pink flowers in summer. Penstemon 'Blackbeard' adds lilac-purple tubes on dark stems at 70 to 85 cm in June and July. Allium 'Gladiator' opens lilac-purple globes at 90 to 120 cm in May and June. Pennisetum 'Hameln' arches at 50 to 70 cm with soft fountain-grass plumes.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. Sandy or gravelly ground is ideal. Rich, wet soil makes blanket flowers floppy and short-lived, and heavy clay that stays soggy in winter is the main reason they don't come back. If you garden on clay, plant on a slope, in a raised bed, or work in grit first. Water regularly the first season, then only during long dry spells. Skip the fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to keep new buds coming. Blanket flowers can be short-lived. Cutting the plant back by about half in late summer encourages fresh leafy growth that helps it through winter, and dividing every two or three years in spring keeps it vigorous. Leave the foliage in place over winter and tidy it up in spring.

History: The SpinTop® series from Dümmen Orange was introduced in 2017, bred in the Netherlands to flower in its first year on compact, well-branched plants. The Mariachi types have fluted, curled petals that give a fuller, semi-double look.

Final Thoughts: Plant it in the hottest spot and enjoy the show from the lawn chair. NO TICKETS, NO LINEUPS, NO INTERMISSION.