Giant Red Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
Also known as Giant Red Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush, Common Red Paintbrush
Climate Match for your location
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A showy wildflower with dense spikes of bright red tubular flowers and red-tinged bracts that bloom throughout summer. Native to western mountain meadows and open forests, it attracts hummingbirds and is ideal for naturalized gardens.
Why grow it
Giant red paintbrush offers earlier and more reliably vivid color than many alpine wildflowers, with a longer blooming window that extends through summer. It establishes more readily from seed than some related Castilleja species and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions, making it more practical for garden naturalization. The dense spike form provides a distinct vertical accent compared to the looser flower clusters of similar hummingbird-attracting natives.
Watch out for
This species often struggles in heavy clay or consistently wet soils despite its mountain origin, requiring amended or well-draining conditions to thrive long-term. Established plants may decline after several years in lowland gardens even with proper siting, as they are adapted to cooler, higher-elevation conditions. Success depends on matching microclimate to the plant's native habitat rather than on standard perennial care alone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A showy wildflower with dense spikes of bright red tubular flowers and red-tinged bracts that bloom throughout summer. Native to western mountain meadows and open forests, it attracts hummingbirds and is ideal for naturalized gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Giant Red Paintbrush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Giant red paintbrush offers earlier and more reliably vivid color than many alpine wildflowers, with a longer blooming window that extends through summer. It establishes more readily from seed than some related Castilleja species and tolerates a wider range of soil conditions, making it more practical for garden naturalization. The dense spike form provides a distinct vertical accent compared to the looser flower clusters of similar hummingbird-attracting natives.
Watch out for
This species often struggles in heavy clay or consistently wet soils despite its mountain origin, requiring amended or well-draining conditions to thrive long-term. Established plants may decline after several years in lowland gardens even with proper siting, as they are adapted to cooler, higher-elevation conditions. Success depends on matching microclimate to the plant's native habitat rather than on standard perennial care alone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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