Entireleaf Indian paintbrush
Castilleja indivisa · Orobanchaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant entireleaf indian paintbrush: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Indian paintbrush, Downy paintbrush
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (March to June)
- Adult size
- 12 to 24 inches in height
- Hardiness
- Tender plant, warm to temperate climate
- Origin
- Texas and Mexico
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-succulent
Care
Light and sun exposure
Castilleja indivisa requires full sun to bloom abundantly. Place it in direct sunlight, ideally for at least 6 hours per day. It tolerates partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant.
Watering
Keep the soil moderately moist during growth and flowering. Reduce watering after flowering ends. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes root rot. Moderate watering based on natural rainfall is usually sufficient.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-draining soil that is slightly sandy or fairly poor in nutrients. This plant likes light, loose soils and doesn't require rich fertility. Good drainage is essential to prevent root asphyxiation.
Pruning and maintenance
No particular pruning is necessary. You can pinch young plants to encourage a bushier habit. At the end of flowering, leave some flowers to set seed if you want natural reseeding.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring will suffice. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. This plant is not nutrient-hungry.
Pests and diseases
Watch for root rot if the soil becomes too wet. Aphids may occasionally appear on tender stems during warm periods. Good air circulation and proper drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Castilleja indivisa was used ornamentally by indigenous peoples of Texas and Mexico long before its introduction to Western horticulture. Its colorful bracts (red, orange, or yellow) are not the true flowers, but modified leaves surrounding inconspicuous flowers—a fascinating visual trick of nature that captivated 19th-century botanists.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow cowwheatMelampyrum pratense
- Yellow rattleRhinanthus minor
- Pedicularis palustrisPedicularis palustris
- Melampyrum sylvaticumMelampyrum sylvaticum
- Red bartsiaOdontites vernus
- Marsh lousewortPedicularis sylvatica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.