Species Mountain Paintbrush
lush-pink flowers with green leaves, brown stems and brown spikelets

Mountain Paintbrush

Castilleja parviflora var. parviflora

The Mountain Paintbrush (Castilleja parviflora var. parviflora) is a perennial herb native to the north-western United States and southwestern Canada. This herbaceous plant grows to approximately 8-16 inches tall and has lance-shaped leaves and clusters of vivid red-orange blooms in the spring and summer. Its vibrant colors often make it stand out against the green of its habitat, which is typically found in subalpine meadows. The Mountain Paintbrush is highly valued for its beauty and is used by many to adorn flower arrangements. It is noted as a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mountain Paintbrush (Castilleja parviflora var. parviflora) should be watered once per week, using approximately 1/4 gallon of water per plant. Water slowly and deeply from the base of the plant so that the entire root zone gets moistened. Make sure to water the entire area, including the well-draining soil around the plant, to ensure optimal growth. Avoid overwatering, as the plant may become overwhelmed and rot. During very hot or dry conditions, water more often to keep the soil moist.

sunlight

Mountain Paintbrush (Castilleja parviflora var. parviflora) plants need full sun exposure to thrive. They should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, although more sunlight may be beneficial. The best time for them to receive full sun is during late spring through late summer in most areas. For optimal growth, they should be placed in an area with southern or southwestern exposures, away from tall trees or buildings that will provide shade. Avoid planting in areas that receive sun only during the morning or late afternoon; the sun's angle gives less intense light during these times, which can lead to reduced growth.

pruning

Mountain Paintbrush should be pruned annually in the early spring after it has finished flowering. Prune out any dead or damaged branches and remove 1/3 of the oldest canes of the plant to maintain its health. Pruning when the plant is actively growing helps encourage new growth, allowing the plant to thrive, and can also prevent an overgrown, leggy look. Avoid pruning in late spring or summer to avoid affecting the plant’s flowering.