Species Indian paintbrush
Orange-red petals growing on green stems with green leaves in blurry background.

Indian paintbrush

Castilleja coccinea

Also Known As - Indian Paintbrush,Scarlet Paintbrush,Scarlet Painted Cup,Scarlet Paintbrush,Scarlet Painted Cup
Indian paintbrush is an amazing plant species due to its vibrant colors and unique structure. The vibrant red and yellow flowering trends create an eye-catching display in its native habitat. Its delicate, hooded flowers are structured in such a way that it looks like each bloom has been dipped in paint - thus the name “paintbrush”. Its beauty is more than just ornamental though, and recent studies show that its fungal parasite influences flower color, attracting birds and other pollinators to visit. Its beauty and ability to adapt and thrive make it truly an incredible species.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Orange-red Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy

Fruits:

brown,gray,gray Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Indian paintbrush should be given plenty of water when first planted. During the growing season, water Indian paintbrush every 2 to 4 days depending on the weather and the soil’s moisture levels. Aim to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. In the hottest part of the summer, water deeply twice a week and more if necessary. Once established, Indian paintbrush is fairly drought tolerant, so water sparingly in drier conditions. During the winter months, occasional deep watering should be sufficient.

sunlight

Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) is an herbaceous subshrub native to North American prairies and grasslands. This plant prefers full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate growing in partial shade, it won’t be as vibrant and will look spindly. Indian paintbrush is best planted in the late spring or early summer in soil with good drainage and regular moisture. If planted in the late summer or fall, it may not have enough time to establish itself before colder weather sets in.

pruning

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) should be pruned by cutting away about a third of the plant in early spring. This will help encourage good air circulation and promote healthy new growth. Always prune back stem ends that contain no flower buds, as well as any stems that are broken or diseased. If your Indian Paintbrush is in need of extensive pruning, it’s a good idea to divide the plant in the fall or early spring. Dividing the plant will give you several new plants which can be used to fill in other areas of your garden.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Castilleja coccinea is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Indian paintbrush typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Castilleja coccinea is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map