scarlet Indian paintbrush
Castilleja coccinea
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Scarlet Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) is a perennial for borders, meadows, pollinator gardens, and accents. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The scarlet-tipped bracts look as if they were dipped in paint and nearly hide the small greenish flowers. Its roots tap into the roots of nearby plants, often grasses, so grow it beside grasses. Transplanting usually kills it.
Pairs well with Blue grama, Little bluestem, and Beardtongue.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DE, and 29 more places. See all 33
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV; MB, and ON.