Here is my technique for growing Castilleja from seeds. Over the years, my fascination with this beautiful group of plants has led me to try growing, in containers, many different species from a wide variety of habitats. The degree that a species can grow and develop without the host may vary widely between species. Unless a haustorium root becomes attached to a host root, however, they will decline in vigor, remain stunted in growth, and never flower, or they will eventually die. Seeds do not require a signal from the host to initiate germination, and they contain endosperm that provides enough energy for the seedling to establish independently (Press 1989). This relationship does not kill the host. Unlike a true parasitic plant, hemi-parasites are capable of manufacturing their own food and obtaining water and nutrients from soil, but they also form specialized roots known as haustoria roots that attach to the roots of a host plant, thereby providing additional water uptake for the paintbrush plant and possibly some organic and inorganic nutrients. Paintbrush species, as well as some other genera in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), have a unique biology known as hemi-parasitism. The rich, brilliant, prolonged color of these species is one reason why they are some of the most desired native species for the home landscape, yet they are not widely available for sale as container plants because of their interesting biology. Because the floral bracts make up most of the color, they tend to remain showy for several weeks through the growing season. It is not unusual to find a single flower with up to 3 contrasting colors on the showy bracts. The flower and bract color, even within a single species, can range wildly across the color palette from rich reds, scarlet, and fuchsia to orange, salmon, pink, yellow, and cream. Both insects and hummingbirds are attracted to these plants and serve as pollinators. Indian paintbrush is appropriately named as the bracts graduate in color from green leafy stems to the brightly colored tops of the inflorescence, thus giving the appearance that the tops of the plants have been dipped in paint. The inflorescence is a short or elongate terminal spike bearing tubular-shaped flowers that are subtended by numerous colorful bracts. ![]() They are found in a wide range of habitats, ranging from low elevation wetlands and riparian areas to dry grasslands, steppe-shrub communities, and rocky slopes to mid- to high elevation mountain meadows and slopes. ![]() There are more than 150 species and many freely hybridize with one another in areas where their ranges overlap. The majority of species grow in the West, but a few species occur in the central portion of the US. ) is a vibrant, beautiful genus of annual, biennial, and perennial wildflowers that are found exclusively in North America. AS THEY ARE SEMI-PARASITES, IT MAY HELP TO GROW SOME GRASS SEEDS IN THE SEED TRAY.Indian paintbrush ( Castilleja spp. THESE SEEDS MAY STILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO APPEAR SO PLEASE KEEP THE POT OR TRAY SAFELY. THEY MAY ALSO BE SOWN AT ANY TIME AND IF THE SEEDS DO NOT COME UP WITHIN 4 TO 12 WEEKS THE DAMP SEED TRAY CAN BE GIVEN COLD TREATMENT IN A FRIDGE FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS. WE ADVISE COVERING SEEDS VERY THINLY INDEED WITH SAND OR FINE GRIT, A GOOD GUIDE IS ABOUT THE DEPTH OF THE SEED SIZE. SOWING ADVICE: SEEDS ARE BEST SOWN IN WINTER OR EARLY SPRING AS THEY BENEFIT FROM A COLD SPELL IN THE WET COMPOST AFTER SOWING TO BREAK THEIR DORMANCY. Natural Flowering Period: April - September Special Features: Grows nicely with Sedum spathulifolium and Bouteloua gracilis. The plant is one of the most common species of this large genus, found all across the West, from Alaska to Arizona and New Mexico. Leaves are somewhat wider than many for other castilleja varieties thay have pointed tips and three prominent lengthwise veins. Stems are usually unbranched, bearing alternate leaves at regular intervals. ![]() The actual flowers are small, inconspicuous green tubes, right at the top of the stem. The large red structures along the top part of the tall stems are modified leaves (bracts) which are split into three components two narrow, semi-tubular spurs below and a longer, much wider segment above. Wikipediaĭeep red is the usual color of the inflorescence of castilleja miniata, but some specimens have a range of other tints including orange and salmon pink, often as a result of hybridization. Castilleja miniata - Deep red usual color, PerennialĬastilleja miniata is a species of Indian paintbrush known by the common name giant red Indian paintbrush.
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