Description
Rosy Indian Paintbrush, also called Splitleaf Indian Paintbrush, is Castilleja rhexifolia, a perennial wildflower of alpine and subalpine meadows in the western United States and Canada. Its vivid rosy-pink to rosy-red bracts create the showy display, while the plant benefits from growing near compatible host plants such as Penstemon, Little Bluestem, sunflowers, or clovers.
Why Grow It
- Vivid rosy-pink to rosy-red bracts on a compact native perennial wildflower.
- Adapted to cool alpine and subalpine meadow-style plantings.
- Hemi-parasitic Castilleja species that performs best with nearby host plants.
- Seeds need 30-45 days of cold-moist stratification or fall/winter outdoor sowing.
Growing Information
| Botanical name | Castilleja rhexifolia |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Perennial wildflower in zones 3-7 |
| Mature height | 18-20 in. |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom window | Summer bloom in cool alpine or subalpine conditions after establishment |
| Flower color | rosy-pink to rosy-red showy bracts with small less-showy flowers |
| Seed count | 500 seeds |
| Sowing advice | Sow outdoors in fall or winter for natural cold exposure, or cold-moist stratify seed 30-45 days in the refrigerator before spring sowing. Plant near suitable host plants such as Penstemon, Little Bluestem, sunflowers, clovers, or other compatible meadow plants. |
| Spacing | Space seedlings or small plant groups about 8-12 in. apart in cool meadow, rock garden, or native wildflower plantings with host plants nearby. |
| Germination | Germination is best after 30-45 days of cold-moist stratification and may be irregular; Castilleja seedlings perform best with compatible host plants. |
Best For
- native wildflower meadows
- alpine-style gardens
- pollinator plantings
- hummingbird-friendly borders
- cool-climate rock gardens
Packet Details
Includes 500 seeds. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark until sowing. Use the growing table above as a planning reference for your local season.
FAQ
Does Rosy Indian Paintbrush need a host plant?
It performs best with compatible host plants nearby because Castilleja species are hemi-parasitic and can borrow water or nutrients through root connections.
How should I stratify the seed?
Use fall/winter outdoor sowing, or place seed in a moist towel or medium in the refrigerator for 30-45 days before spring sowing.
Is this a tree or shrub?
No. Castilleja rhexifolia is a perennial wildflower, not a woody shrub or food-forest plant.
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