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Texas Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja foliolosa

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast; .

Size

2–2ft tall , 2–2ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Deciduous

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Southern California deserts and semi-arid regions, from the Mojave Desert to the Colorado Desert, typically below 3000 ft elevation in desert scrub and washes.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Texas Indian Paintbrush in full sun with fast-draining soil - this is non-negotiable, as it's a desert native that rots in wet conditions. The best planting season is fall or winter to establish roots before the dry season. Space it among or near small shrubs like chamise, golden yarrow, or sagebrush, since this plant is semi-parasitic and performs better with host plants nearby. Avoid rich, amended soil; lean, rocky conditions are what it evolved for.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish roots, then cut back to once monthly or less once established - after that, rely on rainfall. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering out of kindness; this plant wants neglect, not care. Expect it to go dormant or decline in appearance during summer heat, which is completely normal. Don't prune unless you need to remove dead wood; this woolly wildflower looks best left to its own devices.

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