Paintbrush Owlclover

The Paintbrush Owlclover, (Castilleja ambigua) should be watered deeply and infrequently. It should be watered about once every 2 weeks during the summer months and about once a month during the winter months. When watering, ensure the soil is moist but not soggy and that the entire root system is getting an even amount of moisture. If the soil starts to dry out quickly, you may need to water more frequently.

Paintbrush Owlclover prefers full sun and does best in hot and dry areas. To ensure this species stays vigorous and blooms abundantly, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the growing season. It should receive morning sun and dappled sun in the afternoon, as too much direct sun can cause its foliage to scorch. Make sure to plant it in an area that is free from intense afternoon sun. The ideal amount of sunlight for Paintbrush Owlclover would be 6 to 8 hours per day.

Paintbrush owlclover (Castilleja ambigua) should be pruned when it blooms in late summer and fall. Pruning should only be done lightly. It is best to remove only ⅓ of the length of each flower stem at a time, to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Depending on the age of the plant, new shoots can be trimmed back by a few inches or more to encourage denser growth and bushier plants. Pruning should also be done as the plant is actively growing—in late spring or early summer—to keep it looking neat and encourage fresh bloom growth.