Castilleja spp.
Are you an experienced native plant gardener looking for a challenge? Then growing Indian paintbrush will be right up your alley!
The bright crimson blooms of Castilleja species are quickly recognizable in the natural landscapes of the western US.
Some of these wildflowers also flower in colors other than red and some species are native to eastern North America.
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Though Indian paintbrush is not the easiest plant to grow at home, the blooms are a great benefit to pollinators and are worth working into a native plant landscape.
Whether you’re here to learn how to grow Castilleja in your home landscape, or just want to learn more so you can appreciate it while hiking, this article will provide you with greater knowledge of this semi-parasitic wildflower.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What You’ll Learn
Indian paintbrush, paintbrush, or prairie fire are common names for the 216 species in the Castilleja genus, which are classified in the broomrape or Orobanchaceae family.
Like the species in the Castilleja genus, most of the members of this family, which includes broomrape (Orobanche spp.), and lousewort (Pedicularis spp.), are all either fully or partially parasitic.
The subject of our article is only partially so, it’s considered a hemiparasite. While it can grow without a host plant, it doesn’t thrive quite as well without one.
There are Castilleja species adapted to many different habitats – including dry deserts, sandy prairies, wet meadows, and rocky mountains.
And with so many different species, there is inevitably some variation both in growing needs and in appearance, with some as small as five inches tall, and others reaching up to three feet in height.
Depending on the species, these wildflowers can be annual, biennial, or perennial, and produce inconspicuous blooms surrounded by colorful bracts from spring to fall that range in color from yellow, purple, pink, white, or red.
With many different types, these plants also have varying adaptations to different USDA Hardiness Zones, so grow one native to your region for the best results.
Quick Look
Common name(s): Indian paintbrush, paintbrush, prairie fire
Plant type: Hemiparasitic herbaceous wildflower
Hardiness (USDA Zone): Varies depending on species
Native to: Northeast Europe, North America, Russia
Bloom time / season: Spring to fall
Exposure: Full to part sun
Soil type: Dry to moist, sandy, organically-rich, well-draining
Soil pH: 5.0-8.0, slightly acidic to alkaline
Time to maturity: Varies, depending on species
Mature size: 6-18 inches wide x 5-36 inches high (depending on species)
Best uses: Native plant gardening, rock gardens, wildflower gardens, xeriscaping
Taxonomy
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Castilleja
Species: Angustifolia, chromosa, coccinea, indivisa, linariifolia, miniata, sessiliflora
With a wide distribution across North America as well as Russia and northeastern Europe, these plants have been used by different Native American peoples for a wide range of purposes, including ceremonial paint, food, medicines, dyes, and poison.
Commonly found growing among sagebrush or lupine, this wildflower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and bees.
In the landscape, these wildflowers can be used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and xeriscapes.
How to Grow
Because of the variability within the genus, it’s important to follow the growing recommendations for the specific species you want to cultivate.
Start with a species that is native to your region, which will ensure you have the right soil type and water availability.
Choose a location in your landscape that matches its sunlight needs – either full sun or part sun, depending on which type you choose to grow.
Since these wildflowers are hemiparasitic, they will need to be grown with a host plant for best results.
They can use many different types of plants as hosts, though the best choice will be one that is native to your region with similar sun, soil, and water requirements.
These US natives only need supplemental water while becoming established, for the first few months. Once the plant is established, avoid watering it unless drought is severe.
And there’s no need to fertilize Indian paintbrush. Choose a species that is native to your region, and it will find all the nutrients that it needs in the soil.
Species to Select
There are around 217 species of Castilleja. Let’s get to know just a few of these!
Coccinea
With red or pink blooms, scarlet Indian paintbrush (C. coccinea) is native to the central and eastern regions of the US and Canada and reaches up to 28 inches tall.
This species is adapted to dry, sandy soils, moist prairies, and meadows, so it is flexible as far as water goes. Grow this one in full sun.
You can pick up a pack of C. coccinea seeds from Everwilde Farms via Amazon.
Linariifolia
Known as Wyoming Indian paintbrush, C. linariifolia is native to the western US where it grows in open woods and shrubland.
With bright red flowers, this species can reach up to three feet tall.
Grow it in part shade, in well-draining rocky soil and moist to dry conditions.
Miniata
Native to the western US and Canada, C. miniata is commonly known as giant red Indian paintbrush and meadow paintbrush.
This species reaches up to three feet tall and is adapted to wet meadows and stream banks, so grow it in wet to moist, well-drained soils, in full sun.
C. miniata flowers are red, pink, or orange.
You can purchase C. miniata seeds in packets of 20 via Amazon.
Sessiliflora
Known by the common names downy painted cup or Great Plains Indian paintbrush, C. sessiliflora is a wildflower native to dry prairies and grassy plains in central North America.
With pink to yellow flowers, this species reaches up to 16 inches tall, and is adapted to dry conditions, rocky or sandy soils, and full sun.
Propagation
Since these wildflower seedlings are very difficult to transplant successfully, it’s best if you sow seeds directly in place outdoors.
Choose a plant companion that is already established, such as sagebrush, Indian ricegrass, Idaho fescue, phlox, or lupine.
This is a process not unlike pre-seeding a garden in fall for a spring harvest – the seeds require cold, moist stratification, so sow them in place in fall.
Within the root zone of the host plant, clear an area free from other vegetation, then rake the small seeds into the surface of the soil, patting down to ensure good contact.
Keep the site moist through germination and until seedlings develop four to six pairs of true leaves. Gradually reduce supplemental irrigation as the plants become established.
Managing Pests and Disease
When grown in their native habitats, these wildflowers will experience few if any problems with insects or diseases, and deer and rabbits will both tend to avoid them in lieu of tastier fare.
If you notice any caterpillars or other insects that seem to be nibbling on the foliage, before you act in haste, consider that many native plants – Castilleja species included – are hosts to beneficial native insects that depend on them to raise their young.
Most of the time insect damage to native plants is unnoticeable, so if on close inspection you witness one of these host plant and insect interactions, consider celebrating it and sharing it on a citizen science app rather than reaching for the pesticides!
Dabs of Red Paint for Your Landscape
Remember to choose a species native to your region, sow seeds in the fall, and the wildflowers should take care of the rest for you!
Which type of Castilleja will you grow? And which type of host plant are you going to choose to use as a companion? Share your growing stories about this wildflower in the comments section below – and if you have any remaining questions, drop them there as well!
If you’re ready to dig into more helpful information about growing native wildflower landscapes, we have more articles for you right here:
