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Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Yellow Touch' is a vibrant perennial known for its bright yellow blooms with distinctive red centers. It’s a hardy and cheerful addition to garden beds, borders, and containers.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 12-18 inches with a spread of 12-15 inches. The plant forms a compact, bushy mound.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring through summer, producing bright yellow flowers with red centers. The blooms are daisy-like and attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to about 3-4 inches above the ground to promote fresh new growth.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for sunny spots in garden beds, borders, or containers. Prefers well-drained soil.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good air circulation.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, reduce watering frequency.
Fun Fact: Gaillardia aristata 'Spintop Yellow Touch' is a cultivar of the blanket flower, named for its bright, blanket-like blooms that resemble the colorful patterns of a woven coverlet. The name "Gaillardia" is derived from the French botanist Gaillard de Charentonneau, who was known for his work with North American plants. This variety is particularly noted for its ability to add a splash of sunny color to any garden and is valued for its long-lasting blooms and resistance to drought.