Bring the scarlet color of mountain meadows to a naturalistic planting with Giant Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata). Its vivid red bracts surround small greenish flowers, creating a striking contrast with neighboring grasses. This perennial is native to western North America and suits gardeners interested in growing distinctive native wildflowers.
Plan for a host plant: paintbrush is hemiparasitic, forming root connections with nearby plants. Grow it alongside a compatible grass or perennial. This is a specialist seed-growing project that needs patience and cold preparation.
Why Grow Giant Red Paintbrush?
- Scarlet to red-orange color for meadow-style gardens and naturalistic borders.
- Flowers visited by bees and hummingbirds.
- A perennial species suited to fall sowing or a winter seed-stratification project.
- A distinct species from Rosy Paintbrush (Castilleja rhexifolia).
What's in the Pack
One packet of 100 Castilleja miniata seeds. Seeds only: no live plant, host plant, pot or soil is included. The photograph shows mature flowering plants, not the contents of the packet. Seed-grown plants naturally vary in color, size and development.
Growing Information
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Botanical name: Castilleja miniata.
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Common names: Giant Red Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush, Common Red Paintbrush.
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Life cycle: herbaceous perennial.
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Mature height: commonly up to about 31 inches, depending on conditions.
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Light: full sun to partial shade.
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Soil: well-drained, moisture-retentive soil; avoid waterlogging.
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Flowering: spring to summer, with timing varying by climate and elevation.
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Growing space: outdoors, with suitable companion plants.
Planting Instructions
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Provide a cold period. Sow outdoors in fall where winter provides sustained cold, or cold-moist stratify for about 60–90 days at 34–41°F. Use a barely damp seed-starting medium and check regularly. Dormancy requirements vary by seed lot; some need longer.
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Sow shallowly. Press the small seeds onto the surface of a well-drained sowing mix. Keep them exposed to light and prevent them from washing away.
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Keep moisture steady. After chilling, place in a bright position and keep the surface moist without saturating it. Germination can be slow and uneven.
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Include a companion. Establish seedlings with a compatible native grass or perennial so their roots can connect. Host plants are not supplied. Keep companions from shading out young paintbrush.
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Handle roots gently. Acclimate container-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions and move the companion/root plug together where practical. Avoid unnecessary transplanting or root disturbance.
FAQ
Is this a live plant?
No. You receive 100 seeds to sow and grow. The mature plants in the image illustrate the species.
Does it need a host to germinate?
The seeds can germinate without a host, but a compatible companion helps establishment and growth after the seedling stage. Plan the companion planting before sowing.
Can I sow in autumn?
Yes, outdoor fall sowing can supply the cold period in suitable climates. In mild-winter areas, controlled cold-moist stratification is the more practical option.
When will it germinate and flower?
Timing varies with seed dormancy, temperature, moisture and host establishment. Allow for an extended germination period; first-season flowering is not guaranteed.
Is Giant Red Paintbrush the same as Rosy Paintbrush?
No. This packet contains Castilleja miniata, not Castilleja rhexifolia or an unspecified paintbrush mix.
Delivery area: available to the 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC. Not offered to territories, military addresses or international destinations.
