Species Slender Paintbrush
yellow-orange flowers with green leaves, brown stems and grey branches

Slender Paintbrush

Castilleja gracillima

Slender Paintbrush (Castilleja gracillima) is a lovely and delicate member of the figwort family native to dry western North American slopes. It has vibrant reddish-purple flowers with prominent white or yellowish markings that grow on slim branched stems. It is an annual plant, blooming from early spring to late fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in full or partial sun and is ideally suited for planting as a ground cover or in rock gardens. The slender paintbrush is hardy and drought-resistant, making it ideal for gardeners who want a reliable and colorful low-maintenance ground cover.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

When it comes to watering, Slender Paintbrush should be kept lightly moist at all times. Water regularly, but avoid overly wet conditions. Water every 5-7 days when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or every 3-4 days when temperatures are higher than 80 degrees. Provide a thorough soaking when watering, allowing the soil to dry out to about 2 inches below the surface between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can increase susceptibility to disease and cause root rot.

sunlight

Slender Paintbrush thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the summer months, Slender Paintbrush should receive full sun during the cooler hours of the day and partial shade in the midday. While during the winter months, it's beneficial to allow the plant to receive 3-4 hours of sun per day.

pruning

Slender paintbrush (Castilleja gracillima) should be pruned in late summer after flowering has finished. Pruning can help with controlling plant size and in some cases may help promote additional flowering. When pruning, it is important to limit your cuts to 1/3 or less of the total plant. Be sure to remove all dead and diseased branches, as well as any branches that are too long or too dense. This species can also tolerate heavy pruning if necessary.