This perennial does best when paired with other native plants.
Native to the American Southwest, Indian paintbrush (Castillejaspp.)
The colorful bracts, which resemble paintbrushes dipped in paint, mask the plants actual flowers.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
These small blossoms are vital for setting seed, of course, but are otherwise unremarkable.
Indian paintbrush (also called desert Indian paintbrush) is known to be slightly unpredictable.
Some years the foliage will be brilliantly colored, and other years it will be muted.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Accept this unpredictability as part of the plants charm.
The host plant is rarely harmed by the relationship, and Indian paintbrush thrives.
The leaves and roots of Indian paintbrush can be toxic to humansand livestock.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Seed Indian paintbrush in late summer in sandy, well-drained soil.
Be patient; the seeds may take a few months to germinate; they need a period ofcold stratificationfirst.
If the seed is pre-stratified, sow it in early spring.
Expect the young biennial plants to unfurl a low-growing rosette of foliage during that first growing season.
The plant will die shortly after setting the seed that will become a new generation of Indian paintbrush.
Indian Paintbrush Care Tips
Light
Indian paintbrush grows best in full sun.
Shade of any kind diminishes its blossoms.
Soil and Water
Indian paintbrush prefers sandy, acidic soilbetween 5.1-5.5 pHbut can tolerate neutral soil.
Keep the soil moistbut not soggyduring the first year.
After that, any surviving plants will bedrought-tolerantand only need occasional watering during the second year.
Temperature and Humidity
Indian paintbrush thrives in moderate temperatures and humidity.
It can survive cold winters but doesn’t do well in intense heat.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize Indian paintbrush.
Keep the soil slightly moist for the first year.
BecauseIndian paintbrush is a biennialthat doesn’t transplant well, expect to have the plant for only two years.
Repotting won’t be needed or possible.
Pests and Problems
Indian paintbrush plants are naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
If that’s your plan,harvest the seedpodsas soon as they start to look dry and brown.
Spread them out to finish drying.
Remove the seeds and store them in a brown paper bag in a cool, dry space.
Shake the bag often until it’s time to plant.
It typically stands 6-18 inches tall but can grow to as much as 36 inches.
A yellow or white variation sometimes occurs.
It’s not easy to cultivate, but the spectacular flowers make it worth the effort.
Like other Indian paintbrushes, it is popular with bees and hummingbirds.
This fine-textured, warm-season grass can be incorporated easily into mixed borders, meadows, and wild gardens.
It is happy in most soils, but little bluestem needs full sun.
The diversity of these plants is remarkable, with several hundred species available.
Penstemons are tough perennials that stand up to intense growing conditions.
Blue-Eyed Grass
Star-shaped, blue-purple flowers decorateblue-eyed grass(Sisyrinchiumspp.)
in spring and early summer.
Although “grass” is part of its name, blue-eyed grass is actually in the iris family.
Its sturdy leaves remain green and upright throughout the growing season.
Well-drained but moisture-retentive soil is a must for this prairie native.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indian paintbrush needs a compatible host plant to survive.
National Park Service
Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush.
Guide to poisonous plants College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/2.
