Castilleja scabrida

RHS Plant Profile
rough Indian paintbrush
rough Indian paintbrush RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

A semi-parasitic herbaceous perennial up to 15cm high covered in rough, stiff hairs, and has green or purple stems, grey-green, narrow leaves, 5-8cm long, and small yellow-green tubular flowers with bright red bracts from spring to summer; the usual host plants include Penstemons, and although Castilleja are partly parasitic on the roots of other plants they seem to cause little damage to their hosts

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orobanchaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Genus
Castilleja can be annual or perennial herbaceous plants with bright red leaf-like bracts surrounding white to green flowers in early to mid-spring.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
USA (NV, UT, CO, NM)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in a very well-drained light sandy medium with added leafmould, close to Penstemons or other host plants

Propagation

Propagate by seed in the intended final position, ensuring that seedlings can become established by forming a connection with a host plant by growing them within a few cm of a suitable host such as Penstemons

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free